Stepping Stone House

26/08/2026

When people think about child and youth homelessness, these probably aren't the images that come to mind.

But rebuilding a life isn't just about having a safe place to sleep.

It's about having opportunities to try new things, build confidence, make friends, create memories and discover who you are beyond your circumstances.

These moments might look simple, but for many young people they're an important part of healing, belonging and building a future.

A few reminders from sunnier days. ☀️🧡

24/08/2026

We hear a lot about what young people are struggling with right now.

Housing insecurity. Loneliness. Mental health challenges. Feeling uncertain about the future.

What we don't hear often enough are stories about what's possible when a young person has the support, stability and relationships they need to thrive.

At 15, Ellie arrived at Stepping Stone House feeling scared, alone and unsure who she could trust.

Today, she's an assistant manager, has strong relationships, dreams of becoming a youth worker, and says something many of us spend a lifetime searching for:

"For the first time in my life, I'm truly happy."

That didn't happen overnight. It happened because people believed in her, stood beside her and invested in her future when she needed it most.

We're proud to share Ellie's story and deeply grateful to The CARE Foundation, whose support has helped young people like Ellie find safety, belonging and the opportunity to build a life they love.

21/08/2026

"I didn't anticipate how inspiring it would be."

That's what one participant said after spending just one night at Sleep Under the Stars.

Join us at Taronga Zoo this October and be part of the village helping young people find safety, stability and hope.

🔗 Sign up today: https://www.sleepunderthestars.com.au/users/sign_up

19/08/2026

Last month we were pleased to host Homelessness Nsw at Stepping Stone House for a local advocacy workshop as part of the A Place to Call Home campaign.

Bringing together leaders, advocates and services from across the sector, the session focused on how we can work collectively to increase investment in housing and homelessness services across NSW.

Real change happens when organisations come together around a shared goal. Thank you to Dean Hart, Vee Blackwood, and the Homelessness NSW team for leading these important conversations, and to everyone who took part.

17/08/2026

A handmade blanket. A jar of jam. A room prepared for a child or young person in need.

Sometimes it's the smallest acts of kindness that leave the biggest mark.

Last week, Stepping Stone House alumna Maria shared her story with 161 guests at the Elanora Ladies Charity Day. At 16, Maria arrived at Stepping Stone House facing uncertainty about her future. Today, she's a hotel manager, leading a team and building the life she once only hoped was possible.

In her speech, Maria reflected on the moments that changed everything: a caseworker who made her room feel like home, people who stood beside her through visa challenges, opportunities to learn, grow and believe in herself, and a community that never stopped backing her.

Thank you to everyone at Elanora Country Club for welcoming Maria so warmly, and for reminding us that lasting change is often built through simple acts of care.

Because when a community comes together, children and young people don't just survive. They thrive. 🧡

13/08/2026

Earlier this year our Youth Worker Marcus stood on stage at St Jerome's Laneway Festival. This October, he'll be performing at Sleep Under the Stars.

Not because he's chasing a bigger audience.
Not because he's promoting a new release.

But because he sees first-hand the life-changing difference he and the rest of our community are making.

Swipe through and you'll see some of the incredible musicians who've chosen to lend their voices to this cause. Artists like Kalani, whose journey would later capture the attention of Australia through Australian Idol. Artists like Primitive, Yasmin and D Minor, who gave their time and talent because they believed young people deserved better than homelessness.

The magic of SUTS has always been people from all walks of life coming together for something bigger than themselves.

A sleepout, a community, and a shared belief that every young person deserves safety, opportunity and a place to belong.

This year, Marcus returns with his new band, Orange Empress, continuing a tradition that stretches back years.

Because at Sleep Under the Stars, the music isn't the headline, the people are, and every year, the most incredible people show up.

⭐ Join us this October: https://www.sleepunderthestars.com.au/users/sign_up

Violet Harbour Orange Empress Kalani artis music Primitive Yasmin Arkinstall - Classical Singer & Vocal Teacher D Minor

12/08/2026

12/08/2026

What could you achieve in 12 months?
At Stepping Stone House, one year can change a young person's life.
We're looking for an experienced Operations Manager – Service Delivery to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract, leading the programs and people who support young people experiencing homelessness to build safe, independent and fulfilling futures.
You'll lead teams, drive service excellence, strengthen key partnerships and help shape outcomes that have a lasting impact well beyond your twelve months with us.
📍 Rockdale, Sydney (Hybrid)
💰 $124,740 - $129,966 + salary packaging
❤️ Purpose-driven organisation
Learn more and apply today: https://au.seek.com/job/93899774?ref=cm-ui

If you are interested in a career at Stepping Stone House we are also seeking:
Youth Worker: https://au.seek.com/job/93597808?type=standard&ref=search-standalone&origin=cardTitle =5620ccf5e655baa802b082b34d69a7124568efb4
Case Manager: https://au.seek.com/job/93921251?type=standard&ref=search-standalone&origin=cardTitle =a1abe817f06523d5f5710322ece0893ba12d6d25

10/08/2026

This month we were honoured to join The Chappell Foundation Annual Dinner, alongside a community of people committed to creating brighter futures for young Australians.

One of the highlights of the night was hearing from Ellie, a former Stepping Stone House resident who shared her story with honesty, courage and hope. Years ago, Ellie arrived at Stepping Stone House feeling uncertain about what came next. Today, she is standing in rooms like this, helping others understand what real support can make possible.

Her story is a reminder that behind every partnership, donation and act of generosity is something much bigger: a child or a young person finding safety, connection, confidence and the opportunity to build a future of their own.

We are incredibly grateful to The Chappell Foundation for their ongoing support of Stepping Stone House and for bringing together leaders, advocates and supporters who share a commitment to ending youth homelessness. Through partnerships like this, more children and young people can access the housing, support and opportunities they need to thrive.

Thank you for creating space for stories like Ellie's to be heard 🧡

05/08/2026

What would it take to move beyond responding to homelessness and start preventing it?

This week, our CEO Jason Juretic joined sector leaders, advocates and policymakers at the Parliament of NSW for Homelessness NSW's National Homelessness Week launch event, Beyond Crisis: Reimagining Our Homelessness Response. The event brought together organisations from across housing, homelessness, health and community services to discuss what it would take to move beyond crisis management and build a system that prevents homelessness before it occurs.

Conversations throughout the afternoon focused on a challenge many of us see every day: while crisis services remain essential, lasting change requires earlier intervention, stronger collaboration and greater investment in the systems that help people stay housed before they reach breaking point.

We were proud to connect with leaders from across the sector, including Dom Rowe, CEO of Homelessness Nsw, Paula Coghill, Aboriginal Strategy Lead at Homelessness NSW, and the Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness.

At Stepping Stone House, we know that ending child and youth homelessness requires more than accommodation alone. It takes housing, education, employment, wellbeing support and a community willing to work together.

Thank you to Homelessness NSW for bringing the sector together to have these important conversations during National Homelessness Week. The ideas shared in rooms like these help shape the future we are all working towards: one where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.