Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Tonight, thousands of people across Queensland will be without a stable or safe place to sleep. Some are in tents or sleeping rough. Others are in their cars, in motels, on couches, or in overcrowded homes.
Homelessness can happen to anyone. And right now, it’s affecting more people than ever before — including families, older Queenslanders, and young people trying to get on their feet.
But with your help, they won’t face it alone.
A hot meal. A warm shower. A place to connect.
Your tax-deductible donation can make a difference to someone experiencing homelessness with:
Food
Breakfast or lunch provided at a UnitingCare homelessness hub or refuge, or food vouchers for families at risk of homelessness.
A shower
The simple human dignity of feeling fresh and clean – at UnitingCare homelessness hubs across Queensland.
Laundry facilities
So people sleeping in tents, cars or motels can at least have clean fresh clothes and bedding.
A case worker from UnitingCare
These compassionate frontline workers provide non-judgemental support, and can refer or recommend people to other forms of help.
A good sleep
A night in a UnitingCare refuge where a person experiencing homelessness can get a decent night’s sleep in a comfortable bed, and feel safe for a while.
Relief from isolation
A safe space to meet others who understand the experience of homelessness and can even share useful tips and information.
Something to do
Activities to ease the stress of homelessness and give people something to look forward to. Specialist services like Recreational Therapy including art activities are also known to help improve mental health and wellbeing.
Counselling
The experience of being without a home is distressing in itself, and many Queenslanders find themselves here because of traumatic incidents such as a natural disaster or family violence.
It may not seem like much — but when you’re doing it tough, these simple things can bring real relief and restore hope.
We can all do something to help people who’ll be facing homelessness tonight.
“No one should feel embarrassed asking for help.”
At our Homelessness Hubs, we meet people with compassion and practical support — not judgement.
People arrive in all kinds of situations. Some are working. Some are between homes. Some have been struggling for a long time.
Everyone’s story is different. But what they all deserve is respect — and somewhere safe to turn.
That’s what your donation helps provide.
Jackie
She left an abusive partner in a regional area and came to the city.
Unfortunately she minimises contact with friends and family because she is worried her ex will track her down. Jackie spent time at a UnitingCare refuge.
She has no house to clean or garden to tend any more. She is on the long list waiting for public housing.
Daniel
An ex-serviceman who suffers from PTSD and high levels of anxiety.
Dan served his country but his marriage broke up after he was discharged and he hasn’t been able to find and stay in a permanent home since.
He came to a UnitingCare hub for breakfast initially – but it’s art therapy sessions that have really made a difference to him.
Steffie
Growing up, Steffie had periods of homelessness because of her mum’s mental health and addiction problems.
She liked school but stopped going because it was too hard to keep up with the work while moving around a lot. She doesn’t play netball anymore either.
Steffie was occasionally sleeping rough before she came to a UnitingCare refuge for women and girls.
Lyle, Honour and son Teddy
The family moved to the Gold Coast last year but quickly discovered they couldn’t afford to rent anything. Lyle’s a tradie but his work is not regular.
Honour has to take care of Teddy who’s only three and there’s no family to babysit so she can’t get a part-time job.
They are currently living out of their car but still looking for an affordable rental.
We have changed names and some details to protect confidentiality, but their stories are real and all too common.
You can offer immediate support — right now
Homelessness is a complex issue, and it won’t be solved overnight. But today, you can make a difference in someone’s life by helping them get through the next few hours with safety, dignity and support.
Other ways to donate
If you’d prefer to donate over the phone, by BPAY or post, give our friendly Fundraising Support team a call on 1800 411 660 (9am to 4pm, Mon – Fri AEST).
