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VINNIES CALLS FOR ACTION TO CHALLENGE HOMELESSNESS STEREOTYPES THIS NATIONAL HOMELESSNESS WEEK

This National Homelessness Week (Monday 5 to Sunday 11 August), Vinnies Queensland is calling for action to break down misconceptions and continue providing support for the growing number of Queenslanders facing an unmet housing need.
Queensland State Manager for Housing and Homelessness, Kellie Rummery, said while the number of tents lining streets had visibly increased in the last few years, a lot of homelessness is often invisible.
“We are seeing more and more cases of overcrowding and leaseholders who are in very difficult situations of not wanting to displace friends and family, but are putting their tenancy at risk,” she said.
“A recent trip to Dalby reminded me that while it’s important to consider tents in the city, it’s also equally important to consider rural and regional areas with squalor properties, where people are not renting but are seeking shelter.”
Kellie said Vinnies was hearing from more and more families and younger Queenslanders who were struggling to find affordable housing.
“Parents are becoming increasingly worried about their children’s safety, and are careful about who they ask for help, going to great lengths to conceal their homelessness,” she said.
“The reality is we all know someone impacted by the rental crisis, it now cuts across middle-income earners, dual-income earners with good work history and housing tenancy records, and younger people.
“As we move away from misunderstanding and challenge homelessness stereotypes, we can create a space for people to be more solutions-focused with empathy.”
“If you’re in a position to help, offering a listening ear and compassionate conversation can be incredibly impactful,” she said.
The theme of National Homelessness Week 2024 is Homelessness Action Now, and while policies like the Homes for Queenslanders plan were a significant step in the right direction, Kellie said there was still much work to be done in the interim to support those struggling to find affordable housing.
Vinnies Queensland provides on average more than 100,000 nights of secure accommodation for people in need each year.

VINNIES CALLS ON FNQ LEADERS TO SLEEP OUT TO BUILD HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS

Vinnies Queensland has issued a challenge to community and business leaders in Far North Queensland (FNQ), asking them to sleep out under the stars for one night to raise vital funds for homelessness support.
The Vinnies Community Sleepout is returning to the Cairns Esplanade on Friday, 9 August 2024 with the event aiming to raise $65,000 to help locals impacted by the ongoing housing crisis.
Cairns rent prices increased by 33 per cent from 2017 to 2023, with the number of FNQ residents reaching out for homelessness support increasing by nearly 30% in the same time period.
Funds raised from the Community Sleepout will help build new homes for FNQ residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness, providing vital long-term secure housing at a time when it is most needed.
“Far North Queensland has been hit hard by this housing crisis, and each day Vinnies is seeing more and more local individuals and families either sleeping rough or at high risk of losing their house,” FNQ Diocesan President Veronica Innes said. “The Community Sleepout is our way of bringing local leaders together to learn more about homelessness, how it impacts our region and how we can work together to make a difference.” Veronica said building new social and affordable homes would help locals escape homelessness for good. “Across FNQ, we have an estimated 6,000 people on the state social housing waiting list, including 3,400 in Cairns, waiting more than two years on average to secure a home,” she said. “Of those, 99 per cent are considered ‘high risk’ “This is a critical time for housing in Far North Queensland and anything our community can do to help can make a significant impact in the lives of locals sleeping rough.” Registrations for Community Sleepout participants are open now – visit <a href="https://bit.ly/fnqcso" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://bit.ly/fnqcso</a> to register or learn more about the event. In the last 12 months, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland provided support to more than 18,000 residents across the Far North Queensland region.

ONE COLD NIGHT RAISES $1.93M FOR HOMELESSNESS SUPPORT

Queensland business and community leaders spent a cold June’s night sleeping on cardboard at the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout – raising nearly $2m for homelessness support in the process. 
On June 20, more than 500 participants traded their warm beds for a spot on the floor across Sleepouts held at the Brisbane Riverstage, CBUS Stadium on the Gold Coast and Maroochy Surf Club on the Sunshine Coast.
Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said the single night raised $1.93m, with all funds going to help Queenslanders facing or at high-risk of homelessness.
"We are so grateful to our local leaders for taking the challenge, spending the night sleeping rough while raising important funds and taking the time to learn more about the realities of homelessness and our housing crisis,” he said.
“Funds raised from our Brisbane and Gold Coast events will also go towards our 500 Homes in 5 Years project; building long-term housing for Queenslanders in need.
“The 500 Homes project is our way of ensuring the homelessness support we provide to at-risk Queenslanders won’t just provide accommodation for a few nights, but for years and years to come.”
At the Sleepout, participants were encouraged to consider the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, putting themselves in their shoes and discussing what we can do to help the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Queensland Housing Minister The Hon. Meaghan Scanlon made a guest appearance at the Gold Coast event, discussing the 60 homes the State Government and Vinnies Queensland will be building in Nerang as part of the 500 Homes project. 
“At last year’s Sleepout, Minister Scanlon personally announced the first major step in building 500 homes – 147 new dwellings to be built in Nerang, Bundaberg and Toowoomba,” Mr Mercer said. 
“With support from the funds raised from the 2024 Sleepout, we are looking at new opportunities to build long-term supportive housing at other key regions across the state.” 
The 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout raised a total of $8.2m for homelessness support across Australia, with more than 1,500 leaders signing up for the challenge.

FINDING HOUSING IN A TOWN OF NO VACANCY

Stanthorpe residents are getting an icy reception as Queensland’s coldest town, getting frozen out of the housing market entirely as the region hits a rental vacancy rate of zero. 
The Southern Downs town saw a 24 per cent increase in rental costs in the last 12 months – the second highest in the country behind Riverwood in NSW, according to suburb trends’ Rental Pain Index report. 
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland St Joseph’s Stanthorpe Conference President Ros Day said local Members have been seeing an incredible increase in calls for help around town. 
"Since October last year we’ve seen a huge increase in Companions asking for help,” she said. 
“The average amount of funds we use to help people with groceries has more than doubled. 
“People are living in tents and we cannot find accommodation for them – there are no affordable options left.” 
According to the Rental Pain Index report, Stanthorpe currently has a rental vacancy rate of zero – the lowest in Queensland.  
“We can’t even find spaces at caravan parks anymore; I’ve never seen it this bad,” Ms Day said 
“A big problem is that we have homes here sitting empty – I know of 300+ dwellings in the area that are AirBNBs that just sit empty most of the time.  
“We’ve been supporting Companions to find options out of town but not all of them have transport. The best we can do most of the time is to sustain people with food, clothing, bedding and sometimes tents.” 
Ms Day said despite the struggles, Conference Members were still working to help locals as much as they could. 
“There was a family of six living in a tent I was supporting that have finally managed to find a home,” she said.

CEO SLEEPOUT URGES SUNSHINE COAST LEADERS TO SLEEP ON THE SAND FOR A GOOD CAUSE

With nearly half of low-income Sunshine Coast households impacted by housing stress, Sunshine Coast business, community and government leaders are being called to spend a night on the sands for the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout and raise vital funds for homelessness support.
The Sunshine Coast event will be held at Maroochy Surf Club on Thursday, 20 June, with a fundraising goal of more than $200,000 to beat last year's fundraising efforts.
The funds raised at the Sunshine Coast Sleepout will directly support safe and affordable housing solutions for the local community, as requests for assistance continue to skyrocket.  
Northern (Sunshine Coast) Diocesan President Beryl Rowan urged the local community to get involved. 
“Across the Sunshine Coast, we continue to see the terrible impacts of the housing crisis on the community as we speak with families sleeping in their cars or in tents on the street as rent prices increase while affordable and emergency housing options remain at capacity,” she said.
“While we acknowledge this is not an easy problem to solve, we must rally behind the vulnerable members of our community and do our part in ending the homelessness crisis on the Sunshine Coast.”
“I encourage our community to participate or donate to this year’s Sleepout, as the funds raised will go towards providing secure and safe accommodation for those experiencing homelessness.
“When you hear the stories of what many families in our region and across the state have endured, one night on the sand doesn’t sound too bad."
Additional CEO Sleepout events will be held in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, as well as community sleepouts across regional Queensland.
In the last financial year, Vinnies Queensland provided more than 103,000 nights of accommodation to Queenslanders in need.
For more information, or to register for the 2024 Sleepout, visit <a href="http://www.ceosleepout.org.au">www.ceosleepout.org.au</a>.

GOLD COAST LEADERS CALLED TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST HOMELESSNESS

With one in ten Gold Coast households impacted by housing stress, Vinnies Queensland is calling on Gold Coast business, community and government leaders to spend a night sleeping rough at CBUS Super Stadium on Thursday 20 June, to raise vital funds for homelessness support.
With a fundraising goal of nearly $600,000, this year’s efforts will directly support safe and affordable housing solutions for the local community, as requests for assistance continue to skyrocket.   
Last year's event on the Gold Coast raised nearly $600,000 for homelessness support, including securing a block of land at Nerang to build 60 social and affordable homes for locals in need
At the CEO Sleepout launch on Wednesday 3 April, Vinnies Gold Coast President John Blake urged local CEOs and business leaders to step up and sleep out, as the charity continued to witness the escalating need for affordable and secure housing.
“In the last 12 months, Gold Coast residents have remained impacted by housing stress with vacancy rates still sitting under 1 per cent and a severe lack of housing options across the region,” he said.
“The importance of initiatives like the CEO Sleepout cannot be overstated as we raise critical funds to provide support to those experiencing homelessness, offering shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities.”
“In the last 12 months, Gold Coast residents have remained impacted by housing stress with vacancy rates still sitting under 1 per cent and a severe lack of housing options across the region,” he said.
“The importance of initiatives like the CEO Sleepout cannot be overstated as we raise critical funds to provide support to those experiencing homelessness, offering shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities.”
To learn more or to register for the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, visit <a href="https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/">https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/</a>

HOMES FOR QUEENSLAND PLAN DELIVERS HOPE FOR HOUSING CRISIS

The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland has welcomed the State Government's renewed focus on  Queensland’s critical housing crisis under a new $3.1b Homes for Queensland plan. 
CEO Kevin Mercer said this funding boost was severely needed as the state charity continued to hear from more families experiencing great housing stress, with a growing number of people experiencing or at high risk of homelessness. 
“This is the biggest social and affordable housing investment in our state’s history and we welcome this significant investment to help vulnerable renters and support more Queenslanders experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” he said. 
“It is heartening to know our leaders are taking this issue seriously, as we continue to hear the stories of locals struggling to secure affordable housing, many of them facing imminent homelessness after being priced out of the rental market.” 
Premier Steven Miles provided the full details of the Homes for Queenslanders plan at a lunch event at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre today. 
The plan includes an extra $1.25b for social homes, with a new target of 53,500 social homes built by 2046, a 20 per cent funding boost for homelessness support services and rental support including banning rent bidding and providing bond loans and portable bonds.  
During his speech, Mr Miles said the State Government aimed to build 1 million new homes by 2046, with 95 per cent of them in the private housing market.  
Mr Mercer said while the Homes for Queenslanders plan was welcomed, Members of St Vincent de Paul Society were concerned about the 27,000+ households currently on the state social housing waiting list. 
“The State Government has set an admirable target of new social homes by 2046 – but there are more than 43,000 people on the waiting list that need housing now,” he said. 
“99 per cent of those applications are considered ‘very high’ need, including those currently homeless, and the average waiting time is over two years. 
“These are the Queenslanders who need immediate solutions – the boost in funding to homelessness support services will be certainly help, but it’s not the same as providing secure long-term housing. 
“The numbers are there but the timeframe is too long – timing is critical on this and Queensland would benefit greatly from a more timely, frontloaded response.” 
Mr Mercer said despite these concerns, the St Vincent de Paul Society looked forward to the support this plan would provide for vulnerable Queenslanders.

BACK TO SCHOOL HELP REQUESTS REACH NEW HIGH DURING COST-OF-LIVING PINCH

Queensland families struggling with the rising cost of living have an uphill battle ahead for 2024, with Vinnies Queensland revealing it’s received a record number of requests for support for back-to-school supplies.
The state charity’s Children’s Education Fund, which provides school supplies and essentials to families in financial difficulty, saw more than 2,220 applications for the 2024 school year.
This is the highest number of applications received since the Fund started in 1988, and more than 25 per cent higher than last year’s record.
In Brisbane alone, Vinnies received nearly 700 applications for help with school supplies, up by 14 per cent from last year.
Mother-of-three Jacqueline* said times have gotten tougher and affording even basic uniforms had become a struggle.
“Before support from Vinnies and the fund, my children were wearing second-hand uniforms full of holes. They were extremely embarrassed turning up to school,” she said.
“I know things have to improve one day, but it feels like it’s getting harder and harder, and it’s not just me – it seems like everyone is really struggling right now.”
A recent study from Officeworks found school supplies in 2024 will cost Queensland parents on average up to $1100 per child..
Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said the charity had seen a 15 per cent average increase in requests for help across the state in 2023 and expected that number to continue to grow in 2024.
“Queensland families are facing another year of financial struggles – with many not even able to afford a roof over their head and food on the dinner table each night,” he said.
“While we are encouraged by new social and affordable homes being developed, we expect the cost-of-living crisis to continue to be a big issue this year.
“Until it’s resolved, it’s the most vulnerable in our communities who will suffer the most.”

VINNIES IS HERE TO HELP - BUT NOT WITH YOUR RUBBISH

Christmas may be over, but Vinnies Queensland is pleading for residents to stay off the naughty list for 2024 by not dumping rubbish and unusable items outside of shops.
Manager of General Operations Drew Eide said illegal dumping was a huge concern each year, as volunteers would often come back from the Christmas break to find stacks of rubbish piled outside local shops.
“Every time your local Vinnies is used as a rubbish tip, it costs time and money to remove and takes away from our real purpose – to sell undamaged pre-loved goods and raise funds to support people doing it tough in your community,” he said.
“A lot of people try to do the right thing but even good donations can turn bad if they’re left outside our shops, exposed to the elements, wildlife and thieves.”
Mr Eide said there were two easy ways people could help the charity start the year on a positive note.
“First, don’t leave your donations outside shops when they’re closed – hold on to them and donate them inside during opening hours,” he said.
“The other is to ensure your donations are of usable quality – this means no damage, tears or stains.
“Following these two rules will be a huge help for our Volunteers and ensure our shop funds are going towards helping people who need it most, rather than paying for expensive trips to landfill.”
Mr Eide said it was unfortunately not uncommon for the charity shops to be used as a dumping ground.
“We see anything from bags of rubbish and leftover food dumped in front of our shops – in one particularly awful case, we found two live kittens that were ‘donated’ outside one of our Far North Queensland shops,” he said.
“Vinnies is always here to help – but not by disposing of your rubbish.
“I’m happy to say at least those kittens are now safe and sound.”
To find your local Vinnies, visit <a href="/To%20find your local Vinnies, visit vinnies.org.au/shops" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vinnies.org.au/shops</a>

HELP FOR VULNERABLE QUEENSLANDERS TOPS CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

With an increasing number of Queensland families struggling to keep up with basic living expenses like rent and groceries, Vinnies Queensland is calling on the community to spread some holiday cheer this giving season by supporting its annual Christmas Appeal.
 
As costs of housing and basics soared over the last 12 months, the state-based charity reported an increase of more than 15% in calls for help over the last year from residents in need across Queensland.
 
CEO Kevin Mercer said the annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal was a way of working together with communities throughout Queensland to ensure locals would not need to go without food or shelter this holiday season. "December is always a time of great need, and this year, the demand for support has reached significantly high levels levels — it is clear our community is facing significant challenges," he said.
 
“The Vinnies Christmas Appeal focuses on ensuring as many individuals as possible can enjoy Christmas with dignity, providing a roof over their heads and a meal on the table.
 
"Our Members and Volunteers work tirelessly to help those in need; however, Vinnies’ support is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors. "We are calling on the Brisbane community to join us in making a difference this Christmas by donating, even just a small amount, to our Appeal."
 
As an unprecedented number of Queenslanders face a festive season filled with financial burden and stress rather than hope and joy, Vinnies’ Members and Volunteers across the state have been working overtime to gather and distribute hampers of goods, including food, vouchers and toys, for those doing it tough this Christmas.
 
Those in need of support this Christmas are encouraged to reach out to Vinnies Helpline on 1800 846 643
 
If you’d like to make Christmas a merrier one for struggling Brisbane families, you can donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal to help fund food, emergency accommodation and essentials.
 
To donate, visit <a href="https://qld.vinnies.org.au/news/vinnies-qld-spreads-christmas-cheer-after-difficult-year">vinnies.org.au/donate</a> or call 13 18 12.

HOTEL PURCHASE SECURES LONG-TERM SHELTER FOR HOMELESS

From early 2021, The Park Hotel was converted into a place of hope and shelter for Brisbane’s homeless. 
This partnership between our Society and the State Government is now even more secure in the long-term after the State Government recently officially bought the hotel to ensure it will stay as a place to provide a home to the homeless. 
Our Society will continue to manage the property and our on-site teams will continue to support and service its residents, including supporting them in the transition back into the community with longer-term accommodation. 
We welcomed Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon to The Park on 17 November to officially announce the purchase and share more with her on how we are helping locals escape homelessness.  
“The Park provides more than just a warm bed to sleep in – our teams work with residents to build the skills, confidence and opportunities to secure safe long-term accommodation,” CEO Kevin Mercer said. 
“With the purchase of the Park Hotel, our Society looks forward to continuing our fruitful relationship with the Department of Housing and provide even more Queenslanders in need with a renewed sense of hope for the future.”

HOUSING RESPONSE CONTINUES TO GROW WITH NEW CAIRNS PARTNERSHIP

With 2023 setting a lot of the groundwork for our Society’s 500 Homes in 5 Years project, we are keen to hit the ground running in 2024 to build up our housing response and provide more Queenslanders with a safe, long-term place to call home. 
In the last few weeks, our first major step in this project, building 147 social and affordable homes in Bundaberg (60 units), Gold Coast (60 units) and Toowoomba (27 units) received Member approval at the recent AGM and the Project Managers have also been approved, meaning we are ready to commence the development approval phase with the respective local government Councils.. 
Recently, our homelessness response was bolstered with the announcement of the State Government working with our Society to convert an 18-unit facility in Cairns to crisis accommodation for locals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 
You can read more about this partnership in the<a href="https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99234" data-interception="off" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Minister's Media Release</a>. 
We are exploring other options across the state, with a total of more than 450 homes in our development pipeline. 
Building on our housing and homelessness response remains a major part of our Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 and we look forward to sharing more on how we can help Queenslanders find a secure, long-term place to call home.

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