Frequently Asked Questions

HomeHaven is a community-driven charity and NGO based in Darwin, dedicated to supporting vulnerable Australians through culturally safe, inclusive, and high-quality services.

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We focus on empowerment, dignity, and belonging for people across the Northern Territory.

HomeHaven was founded by two community leaders:

John Dempster - An Indigenous Australian veteran born in Geelong, with 30 years of Defence Force service as a medic. He has lived in Darwin since 1992 and has dedicated his life to supporting vulnerable community members.

Sharitah Namatovu - A registered nurse and community advocate with extensive experience in aged care, mental health, youth services, Support at Home, and residential care. She is a mother of four living in rural Darwin and passionate about creating a sense of belonging for all Australians.

Together, John and Sharitah have combined lived experience, cultural insight, and compassion to build a service that truly understands community needs.

HomeHaven is being established to provide multiple community and support services, including:

• NDIS disability support

• Support at Home (Aged Care)

• DVA – Veterans and ex-service support

• Youth support programs

• Homelessness support

• Mental health services

• Women’s domestic violence support

 We aim to be a one-stop, culturally safe organisation for vulnerable individuals and families.

We support all Australians, with a strong focus on:

• Indigenous communities

• Elderly people

• People with disability

• Youth at risk

• Women experiencing violence

• People facing homelessness

• Veterans and their families

No one is left behind.

Yes. The organisation is already registered with ASIC and is now in the process of completing key national registrations:

• Support at Home (Aged Care)

• NDIS

• DVA veteran services

 These registrations will allow us to expand our reach and deliver accredited, high-quality support.

HomeHaven stands out because:

• It is led by an Indigenous veteran and a qualified nurse.

• The leadership team has deep community roots in the Northern Territory.

• The organisation focuses on holistic support (aged care, disability, youth, mental health, homelessness, DV).

• We combine cultural understanding with professional expertise.

• We are building a service model based on dignity, empowerment, and belonging.

Absolutely. ​Both founders bring multicultural and Indigenous perspectives, ensuring services are respectful, inclusive, and grounded in cultural understanding.

Yes. HomeHaven is based in Darwin but plans to deliver services across remote, rural, and urban communities in the Northern Territory.

HomeHaven is founded with the intention of community-led leadership, shared values, and transparency. John and Sharitah aim to develop a service that benefits the Territory and grows through local collaboration and partnerships.

Our vision is to build a strong, inclusive organisation where:

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Everyone is supported.

Everyone is valued.

Everyone belongs.

We aim to create long-term, sustainable programs that uplift individuals, strengthen families, and support future generations in the Northern Territory.

You can support us by:

• Partnering with us

• Sharing our mission

• Collaborating on projects

• Offering professional services

• Supporting our registration and setup stages

Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more connected NT community.