S.W.A.G. STANDS FOR ”SALVATION WITH ALMIGHTY GOD”
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done - Proverbs 19:17 New International Version (NIV)
WHO WE ARE
For over 20 years, S.W.A.G. Family Sydney has been a charitable organisation that lends its focus to disadvantaged communities, where providing basic human needs is at the forefront of their mission. S.W.A.G. operates through donations and volunteers in the means of food, clothing, money and most importantly their time. The organisation has more than 2000 selfless volunteers who give their time and effort across all locations, preparing meals, donating clothing and engaging in meaningful conversations with the members of their community. Additionally, S.W.A.G. Family Sydney is inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ within the Christian faith, such that their motives are driven by acknowledging the dignity of each human life and honouring the uniqueness of every human being.
We are a registered not for profit charity and ALL donations go directly to the most vulnerable people in our society. SWAG is completely run by volunteers and no one draws any type of wages from the organisation.
OUR MISSION
S.W.A.G. Family Sydney has had a clear vision from the beginning of their journey as founder Rick Herrera has strived to create an organisation that truly cares for the human person, having their needs at the centre of his organisation.
Our mission is to:
- Provide disadvantaged individuals living in at-risk communities access to nutritious food, shelter, comfort and safety
- Value the dignity of every human person
- Create a sense of community and give back to those who need it most
With the support of the community and generous donors we can continue to serve and help the most vulnerable people.
WHAT WE DO
S.W.A.G. Family Sydney extend their hearts and hands by aiding disadvantaged individuals and families, providing consistent emotional, physical and spiritual support to those in need. S.W.A.G. serves their communities by providing basic necessities for a dignified human life such as; hot meals, fresh fruit, water, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and basic human connection. Additionally, S.W.A.G. assists homeless individuals residing on the streets find permanent accommodation, thus offering them a safer environment whilst they get back on their feet. These services are provided on a weekly basis, providing the opportunity for local communities to come together, enjoy a hot meal and connect.
S.W.A.G FAMILY SYDNEY HAS SERVED THOSE WHO LIVE ON THE STREETS OF SYDNEY
HOT AND NOURISHING MEALS, CHEERFUL FOOD HAMPERS, AND MUCH MORE!
WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED SO FAR:
- Served over 1,000,000 meals across all locations
- Provided over 75,000 sandwich packs across all locations
- Handed out 15,000 food hampers to our communities
- Provided 10,000 sleeping bags to those residing on the street
- Provided over 2000 nights of temporary accommodation
- Housed once homeless individuals into permanent housing
- Aided a multitude of individuals and families affected by homelessness, domestic violence and drug and alcohol addictions
WE HAVE ALSO HOUSED MANY HOMELESS INTO LONG TERM HOMES & MUCH MUCH MORE!
WHERE YOU CAN FIND SWAG FAMILY SYDNEY
You can find us at various locations around Sydney & Wollongong.
For the latest information please contact us or follow our Facebook page.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
HELP MAKE SOMEONES DAY!
“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Luke 3:10-11
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Any support from you is a step towards a better future and the S.W.A.G. Family can’t thank you enough. Your contribution is deeply valued amongst our wider organisation, so if you would like to get involved here is what you can do:
- Donate to our organisation through the link on our website, whether it be a one-time donation or a recurring monthly contribution, any amount helps fund more aid for our communities in need. All cash donations are fully tax deductible
- Donate clothes that are in good condition you have lost love for, it could be someone else’s new favourite item
- Prepare nutritious meals for our services and provide fresh produce
- Join us during our services, most of the time our community members need human connection more than anything, so just come down and have a chat.
- Contact Rick to find out how you can join the S.W.A.G. Family and become one of our amazing volunteers
With the support of the community and generous donors we can continue to serve and help the most vulnerable people.
If you need more information on services or how you can help in other ways please don’t hesitate to reach out.
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them
Hebrews 6:10
OUR NUMEROUS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE
CAROLS FOR THE HOMELESS
During the holidays, we proudly serve a free feast for the homeless individuals who reside in Martin Place, Sydney. This service is an annual event in which nearly 10,000 people attend, being provided a delicious meal as well as entertainment for the festive season. This combined event is organised by S.W.A.G Family Sydney in a means to raise awareness and collect thousands of donated gifts for disadvantaged families during the holidays.
SAFE WOMAN'S REFUGE
We value the women and children within our at-risk communities, thus we offer safe refuge for women who are victims of domestic violence within their abusive relationships. Such that, we offer a safer housing alternative through the means of paid motel stays in order for victims to escape the hostile situation when needed.
SUPPORT SERVICES
We like to offer more than just a hot meal at S.W.A.G. services. Our caring volunteers love to lend a listening ear and a helping hand in order to support those in need. We help individuals with their shopping needs, rebuild temporary accommodation for the homeless, listen to those who need to vent and read passages from the Bible to those who are open to receiving the Word of God.
EMERGENCY HOUSING
In instances of emergencies, our S.W.A.G. volunteers offer to retrieve individuals off the street and provide them temporary shelter when needed, as well as a shower and food in order to get them by for the evening.
REHABILITATION CENTRE
We understand that life can be difficult and substance abuse can be a result of this. For members within our community who genuinely want to change, we offer to take the time to assist them in their journey to recovery, removing them from their environment into a more stable setting. With this, we help them navigate their way back into society, assisting them into housing and employment in order to kick start a positive life trajectory.
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HELP MAKE SOMEONES DAY!
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Proverbs 19:17 New International Version (NIV)