Program Innovation-in-trial

Innovation We aim to push the boundaries of what’s possible and seek innovative ways to extend our reach and impact. What we are providing At Orange Sky, we understand that hardship doesn’t always look the same. Our goal is to be there when people need us – so we’re always exploring new ways to connect with friends and make a bigger impact in communities. Women Only Shifts The 2021 Census recorded a staggering 20% increase in the number of Australian women experiencing homelessness. In 2023, we began trials for Women’s Only shifts, offering our trusted laundry service run by a team of supportive female volunteers. These shifts also provide free female toiletry products and a focus on creating a safe space for women to connect. School Laundry Program The School Laundry Program is designed to provide students with free laundry facilities and empower them to learn life skills. Orange Sky supplies the machines, materials and resources, enabling the school to manage the daily operations of the laundry. Access to clean and adequate clothing is recognised by the United Nations as a right to an adequate standard of living. This trial program aims to reduce barriers to clean clothing for students. First Nations Metro Shift Our metro and regional shifts are open to everyone, but we've recognised there may be barriers preventing First Nations people in urban and regional areas from accessing our services. To address this, we're trialing a new type of shift in partnership with Indigenous organisations. This initiative aims to tailor our services through the leadership of community helpers from within their own communities, ensuring cultural appropriateness and sensitivity. Lockers and Essentials We are trialing a locker system for people doing it tough, to better understand the needs within our communities. As part of this service, we are also trialling the provision of essential items such as toiletries, utensils, sleep aids, and clean water via a self-service system. This trial encourages users to provide feedback on their needs, helping us identify the most in-demand items and reduce wastage. Why it’s needed Our commitment to innovation stems from a deep understanding of the evolving needs within communities facing hardship. Addressing diverse needs- Hardship doesn’t adhere to stereotypes. By continuously thinking outside the box, we can identify and cater to the diverse needs of different groups within communities across Australia. Adapting to changing circumstances- Societal challenges change over time, and so must our strategies. By fostering a culture of innovation, we remain adaptable and responsive to emerging needs and trends. This ensures that our services remain relevant and effective in addressing the ever-changing face of hardship. Sustainability and Scalability- Innovation enables us to develop sustainable solutions that can be scaled up to reach more communities in need. By continuously pushing boundaries and expectations, Orange Sky refines programs and processes to be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. This ensures we can expand our reach without compromising the quality of our services or exhausting our resources. Our impact this week 2,008 loads of wash 101 showers 1,923 hours of conversation 3,898 volunteers Expected outcomes Increased access to support services By implementing new trial services, we aim to increase access to support services for marginalised communities. As a result, more individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship are able to access essential resources such as clean laundry, hygiene products and culturally sensitive support. Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity By collaborating with community leaders and diverse organisations, Orange Sky hopes to provide support that respects and honors cultural heritage and traditions, and provide space for individuals who may not be able to access our traditional services. Community engagement and collaboration Through strategic partnerships and community involvement, we aim to enhance our impact and reach within communities. By engaging volunteers, stakeholders and service users as part of the learning phase, we cultivate a sense of ownership and collaboration, strengthening relationships and building a network of support for our initiatives. What you're supporting Remote Communities Free Laundry and Showers Natural Disaster Response Transitional Accommodation Innovation in Trial Young People School Laundry Program