Imagine waking up EVERY day worrying about paying your rent and whether or not you’ll be homeless next month. Imagine having to make the hard choices between paying your utility bills and buying groceries. For many on the Coast, especially women and children, this is a reality. 55 per cent of children living with single parents on the Coast are living in poverty. That is 1,100 children and their families, struggling every day.
There is a housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of thousands of our community members. Those at most risk are children, single mothers and women over 50. Often they struggle to meet the fundamental needs of safety, food and housing - things that most of us take for granted. Rental housing on the Coast is expensive and in short supply. Employment options are limited, with many jobs barely paying enough to support the basic living expenses of an individual, let alone a young family.
We know that affordable housing and access to support programs play a key role in keeping our entire community healthy and safe.
With your help, Building Together will include 35 units of affordable housing, crisis response, support and prevention programs - all in one location. These resources will be accessible to all Sunshine Coast community members and will play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of our entire community.
We need your support. Your donation today will help us building a healthy and thriving Coast for all.
Read our Case for SupportFor many in our community, the struggle is real...
Meet Pat
Pat has rented a small suite from family friends for several years at a reasonable cost. The owners have just sold the property and are downsizing. Pat has 6 weeks left to find somewhere else to live. With only her pension for income, Pat is facing homelessness due to a severe shortage of affordable rental properties available on the Coast.
MEET JACOB
Jacob’s mum left his dad when the violence she experienced became much worse and started being directed at Jacob and his younger sister. Jacob’s mum is now accessing support services - however, they struggle to get by, with his mum working two jobs to afford a one-bedroom unit, food and utilities. Jacob wants to be able to go to school without worrying about his mum all the time.
Meet Sam
Sam is 19 years old and no longer in foster care. She has a couple of part-time jobs and is taking some online courses to complete her GED. Sam looked hard for housing, but can’t find anything she can afford to rent on the Coast. For the past two months, she’s slept on a friends sofa. She’s not sure what will happen next.