Following in the footsteps of many groundbreaking initiatives, social enterprise HoMie started from a simple conversation between mates. Marcus, Nick and Robbie had been spending time chatting to and connecting with people living on the streets of Melbourne and were inspired to share these stories via social media. Fast forward a few years, and HoMie became Australia’s first retail fashion store and label to provide brand-new clothes and job training to young people experiencing homelessness, with an impressive 100 percent of the label’s profits going towards those experiencing homelessness or hardship. The label’s VIP Shopping Days invite those doing it tough into HoMie’s Melbourne store to receive five items of brand-new clothing of their choosing, as well as grooming, food and refreshments – all for free. Meanwhile, the HoMie Pathway Alliance Program is an accredited retail training and education program that offers eight months of paid work experience at the HoMie store or a HoMie Alliance-trained business. Interns graduate with a Certificate III in Retail, retail work experience and personal development training to build confidence, resilience and life skills.

It will come as no surprise then that all of the label’s garments are sustainably and ethically made right here in Australia and accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia. Check out HoMie’s autumn/winter 2019 collection, core range and spring/summer 2019 collection which, let’s face it, still very much applies to our Brisbane winter. Pieces such as 100-percent-cotton ribbed polo long sleeves, limited-edition high-neck crop jumpers and cropped tees are all yearning for a spot in your wardrobe. If you’re keen to make a difference, you can make a donation directly to HoMie, visit The HoMie Store or shop the goods online.