Car 2 Home Project allows people who are experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in their cars a safe place to park and sleep, in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

The project allows access to clean toilets, hot showers, kitchen and laundry facilities in the aim of supporting you in your current situation. Our caseworkers will also assist our community members to connect with long-term affordable housing providers in the private or public sector, whilst also providing access to community supports and programs if needed. We are a not-for-profit, voluntary service and our model is community member focused and provided free of charge.

If you are experiencing homelessness, contact 0402155586

How do people experiencing homelessness access the Car 2 Home Program?

Anyone experiencing homelessness and sleeping in a registered motor vehicle is encouraged to call our intake number 0402 155 586. Intakes are completed by appointment only on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. Our office is closed from Friday 12noon to Tuesday 9am.

Individuals staying at Car 2 Home are required to adhere to program rules and are allowed to park 7 nights a week if needed.
Entry into the carpark is after 4pm each day and individuals need to be off-site by 10am the next day.

Where possible we refer to other specialist homeless service providers and encourage our guests to make contact with the Department of Housing Link2Home. Link2Home for temporary accomodation is a service provided by NSW Housing. Call 1800 152 152 to find out if you are eligible for crisis support.

Persons fleeing Domestic Violence are encouraged to contact the Police if in danger on 000, or call the Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63 or 1800respect.

Homelessness in the Hunter

Homelessness is a complex issue and affects over 120,000 Australians each day. The recent census has shown a 35% increase in homelessness in the Lake Macquarie area. For those who are experiencing homelessness and sleeping in their car, their motor vehicle is both a mode of transport and a place to dwell.

Our community members tell us that having somewhere to sleep at night without the fear of harassment is extremely helpful.

This is Jenny's story, a former guest of Car 2 Home having spent 6 months sleeping in her car on the streets, found her way to Car 2 Home. Many people find themselves in Jenny's situation, and with a 10 to 15 year wait for social housing in the Hunter, this is a hopeless situation for many.

Car 2 Home provides a place for those sleeping in their car a safer place to park with showers, toilets, laundry and kitchen facilities, along with support, to help you navigate the pathway into housing again.