Milk Crate Theatre
Homelessness is not just “houselessness”. Experiencing homelessness means not having stable or secure housing or a place to call home. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that 116,000 people were homeless on census night in 2016, representing 50 homeless people per 10,000. This includes those sleeping on the streets, in cars, at crisis centers, and in overcrowded accommodation. This is an increase of 14 percent from the last census in 2011, and in our local community the situation is even worse, with Sydney’s homeless population has increased more than three times faster than the national rate.
Milk Crate Theatre brings communities together and works with a strengths-based approach for a positive impact on participant well-being. We work within the Social Model of Disability, believe in the dignity of risk, and facilitate programs that are not based on respite or therapy but have a firm focus on the arts to enable and build capacity. We actively seek out exciting contemporary practitioners who possess the insight and competency to challenge and inspire our participants in expansive new ways. Our social worker provides participants with encouragement and support to grow their skills and meet responsibilities for achieving in a team. She facilitates connection with other supports in the community where needed. In all of Milk Crate Theatre’s work, participant wellbeing comes first.
“I have been attending Milk Crate Theatre for 2 years, Milk Crate has given me so much creativity, collaboration, not to mention a Social Worker ... I can’t express just how grateful I feel in my heart I received a family, support, a future!” – MCT participant.
Milk Crate Theatre uses performing arts to change the story of homelessness. We pro-
vide creative opportunities for participants to build confidence, skills, and social connections to help make positive life changes. Our programs are run for, with, and by members of the community who have a lived experience of homelessness and the complex issues associated including people with mental health, financial, emotional, and physical support needs, addiction, trauma, and domestic violence.
Milk Crate Theatre works within a Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) model, meaning our work is community-centered and collaborative. Professional practicing artists facilitate programs and projects where participants are encouraged to contribute ideas, share stories, and engage in creative expression within a safe and supported environment. We believe that by bringing communities together and working from a strengths-based approach, we can
make a positive impact on participant wellbeing.
There are several ways to get involved with Milk Crate Theatre and contribute to changing the face of homelessness through performing arts. If you identify as having a lived experience of homelessness or the surrounding complex issues, we encourage you to come along to their workshops; they are always on the look-out for volunteers; and finally, a simple and long-lasting effect option is to donate and of course, being an audience member at one of the shows. You can find further information on our website, www.milkcratetheatre.com, and other social links:
Facebook:facebook.com/MilkCrateTheatre
Instagram: @milkcratetheatre
Twitter: @milkcratetheatr