HomeStart, Hub 3219 @ Apollo

HomeStart, located at Encompass’ new multi-component complex in Whittington, Hub 3219 @ Apollo, is more than just a pre-loved furniture shop. 

It is a place that will give a new home to your unwanted furniture. It is also venue that provides access to real employment opportunities and life skills development in a warm friendly and supportive environment – particularly to community members who are typically socially disengaged, living with a disability, long term unemployed, retired, taking a break, or simply wanting to be proactive and productive whilst giving back to the community.

We also upcycle/repurpose furniture and run a few volunteer programs including Reimagine, a project that breathes new life into items deemed as rubbish to turn them into unique pieces of furniture or homeware; and HubArt, an art group that creates pieces of art using recycled materials.

Every donation you make – whether in the form of furniture donation, funding, or time/expertise – provides a significant impact to the Geelong community and the region’s local economy.  When you donate, you give back!

 As part of our commitment to assist local community members, we offer good quality furniture at very affordable prices.  We also provide furniture assistance to those in need.

We are also passionate about waging the war against waste and advocate sustainable living practices in everyday life.

To date, 763.4 tonnes of furniture have been collected by the HomeStart truck.  88% of this was reused, recycled or upcycled.  That saves 671.3 tonnes of waste from going into landfill!

In partnership with Give Where You Live, HomeStart distributed around 1250 Material Aid vouches at a value of over $62,000.  Most recipients were in high need demographics: 64.8% on pension, 62.4% sole parents, 28% on disability pension, 29.6% on unemployment benefits, 5.4% refugees. 

At HomeStart, we help YOU get your home started – whether you are starting over; or simply having a makeover.  It is also a place where you are free to feel at home – make your ideas come to life, develop your skills, create new connections, dream up exciting projects, reconnect with your passions, and more! All this whilst helping the Geelong community grow and thrive.  

Make HomeStart your happy place.  Start your new home now.  

Call our friendly staff for more information on 03 5248 0498 or email at homestart@encompass-cs.org.au