Families in NSW who cannot afford essential whitegoods or furniture during a crisis can usually get help through a charity referral, and sometimes through government assistance. The most reliable route is a caseworker or community organisation making a referral on your behalf.
Why this matters more than it sounds
A fridge is not a luxury. Without one you cannot store fresh food, which pushes a household toward expensive, less healthy options. Without a washing machine, families with young children face laundromat costs they cannot absorb. Without beds, children sleep on floors.
These items are the difference between a roof and a home, and they are exactly what gets left behind when someone flees violence or loses a tenancy.
Where to look for help
- Charity essentials programs. Organisations like House of Sadaqa hold stock of whitegoods and furniture specifically for families in crisis, usually accessed by referral.
- Emergency relief providers. Many community organisations are funded to provide material aid. A local neighbourhood centre can point you to the nearest.
- Services Australia. Advance payments and crisis payments may be available depending on your circumstances. Ask to speak with a social worker.
- No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS). Provides no-interest loans for essential household items to people on low incomes, repaid over time with no fees or interest.
- Your caseworker. If you are already working with a service, they will know which local programs currently have stock.
How the House of Sadaqa program works
Our Family Support Program supplies fridges, washing machines, beds, mattresses, furniture and household essentials to families across Sydney facing hardship. It is referral-based, so a caseworker, community worker or support organisation submits a request, our team assesses it, and we arrange delivery where we can.
There is no cost to the family. Demand does exceed supply, so referrals help us direct what we have to the greatest need.
Practical tips when seeking help
- Be specific about what you need most. A prioritised list is easier to act on than a general request.
- Mention access issues early, such as stairs or narrow doorways, since they affect delivery.
- Ask more than one organisation. Stock varies week to week, and there is no shame in asking around.
- Keep your caseworker informed, so requests are not duplicated across services.
If you are not connected to a service yet, contact our team and we will help you work out where to start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a free fridge or washing machine in NSW?
It is possible through charity essentials programs, usually accessed via a referral from a caseworker or community organisation. The House of Sadaqa Family Support Program provides whitegoods free to families assessed as eligible.
Do I have to pay anything?
Not through the House of Sadaqa Family Support Program. Other pathways such as the No Interest Loan Scheme involve repayment, but without interest or fees.
How do I get a referral?
Ask a caseworker, community organisation, neighbourhood centre, school or health service to submit one. If you are not connected to a service, contact our team and we will guide you.
How long does it take?
It depends on current stock and demand. Our team assesses each referral and will let you know the outcome rather than leaving you waiting indefinitely.
What if I need help urgently?
Say so clearly in the referral. For immediate financial crisis, Services Australia may be able to assist with a crisis or advance payment, so ask to speak to a social worker.
Support the work behind this article
House of Sadaqa is a registered Australian charity helping local families in crisis with household essentials, whitegoods and emergency relief. There are three direct ways to be part of it:
- Donate, with donations over $2 tax-deductible
- Volunteer your time in the warehouse, on outreach runs, or at events
- Clear a NSW fine through a Work and Development Order
You can also support us without donating a cent, simply by choosing one of our social enterprises. Each one puts its profits back into supporting families:
- Goodwill Connect, NBN internet for Greater Sydney
- Panda Paper, premium bamboo toilet paper delivered to your door
- The Goodwill Laundry, self-serve laundry in Bankstown
- The Goodwill Shop, our op-shops in Revesby and Bankstown