The Property Industry Foundation is delighted to announce BABI Youth & Family Services as our new charity beneficiary in Queensland. A leading youth and family services provider in the Wynnum, Redlands and surrounding region, BABI has been responding to the needs of young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness since the early 1980s.
Through their Housing with Dignity Project, BABI will provide hands on, practical support for young people as they move into more secure accommodation and rebuild their lives. “The Housing with Dignity Project will provide the material assistance required to help young people and young families whom are homeless or at risk of homelessness to build their capacity toward living independently and with dignity,” says Allan Mitchell, Housing Manager. “When young people initially contact our service, apart from accommodation, they require a range of supports around emergency food relief, go-cards for public transport, phones/phone credit and identification. The Housing with Dignity Project will allow us to assist in meeting some of these basic needs.”
Housing with Dignity will help create stability and a caring home environment for vulnerable young people. “When moving in to BABI accommodation, most of our young people come with very little and are either on low or no income,” says Allan. “By providing white goods, bedding, furniture, kitchen and other household items, it allows young people to more smoothly transition from their precarious living arrangements in to an environment that promotes a sense of homeliness and safety.”
As part of BABI’s Housing with Dignity Project, young people and families develop a plan for independent living and more permanent housing. “Once housed, young people and young families with the support of their Housing Case worker, develop a case plan towards increasing their level of independence,” says Allan. “This can include goals around developing living skills, improving health and wellbeing, community connectedness, employment and educational outcomes. By providing financial assistance in meeting these goals, young people are able to build a strong foundation for their future.”
