When someone escapes domestic violence or homelessness, securing safe housing is a critical milestone, but it’s not the end of the journey. Many individuals and families face a second, often invisible barrier: the inability to furnish their new home with basic household items.
Without essentials like a bed to sleep in, a fridge to store food, or a table to gather around, stability remains out of reach. That’s why ETC has awarded $25,000 in funding to LifeHouse Care in Coffs Harbour through the ETC Community Support Fund, to help bridge this gap and restore dignity to those starting over.
The ETC Community Support Fund was established in 2012 to help organisations reduce disadvantage, generate opportunity, increase support services and/or build capacity in the communities in which we operate. Since then, we’ve proudly given back over $3 million to not-for-profit, community organisations across our footprint. Learn more about ETC’s Community Support Fund >
LifeHouse Care is a Coffs Harbour-based organisation dedicated to helping people overcome life’s toughest challenges. Their mission goes beyond providing shelter. They offer practical support and compassionate guidance to help individuals and families transition into safe housing and regain independence. Through tailored assistance and community connection, LifeHouse Care empowers people to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Thanks to ETC’s funding, LifeHouse Care can now purchase and distribute food, as well as essential household items such as:
These items are not luxuries, they are the foundation of a stable, functional home. By providing them, LifeHouse Care ensures that people leaving crisis situations can begin their next chapter with comfort, dignity, and the tools to thrive.
To celebrate the partnership, ETC staff visited LifeHouse Care’s office and rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on activity: creating care hampers for families in need. The team worked side by side with LifeHouse Care to assemble dozens of packages filled with food staples, hygiene products, and household essentials – items that can make an immediate difference for people starting over after crisis.
This wasn’t just about packing boxes; it was about connection. ETC staff had the opportunity to learn more about the challenges faced by local families and see firsthand how LifeHouse Care’s work transforms lives. The day was filled with teamwork, conversation, and a shared sense of purpose.
By participating in this initiative, ETC demonstrated that community support goes beyond funding. It’s about showing up, lending a hand, and building relationships. This collaboration reflects ETC’s belief that real change happens when organisations and individuals unite to support those who need it most.
The problem this partnership addresses is simple but profound: many people transitioning out of crisis situations lack access to the basic items needed to live safely and comfortably. Even with secure housing, the absence of furniture and appliances can make a home feel temporary, unsafe, or incomplete. This issue is more widespread than many realise.
Here are some recent statistics:
ETC’s support aims to help solve this issue by enabling LifeHouse Care to provide immediate, practical assistance that empowers individuals to rebuild their lives. It’s not just about furniture – it’s about restoring dignity, creating stability, and laying the groundwork for long-term wellbeing.
ETC is a registered charity that delivers employment, training, and business services across regional Australia. Through the ETC Community Support Fund, we provide financial support to organisations tackling urgent community needs. Especially those that remove barriers to employment and social inclusion.
Since its launch in 2012, the fund has invested more than $3 million into community initiatives, including $2 million in the past three years alone. Each grant reflects ETC’s commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities where people have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Our support for LifeHouse Care is one example of how we work alongside local organisations to create lasting impact.
Learn more about ETC’s community impact and recent grant recipients > https://etcltd.com.au/500k-awarded-through-the-etc-community-support-fund-in-2025/
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