Access to safe housing is a fundamental human right, yet for many young people and families, this basic need remains out of reach. With housing affordability at record lows, as highlighted in Anglicare’s 2023 Rental Affordability Snapshot, the situation is dire. Of the 45,895 rental listings surveyed across Australia, not a single one was affordable for a young person on Youth Allowance, even when considering shared housing. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for action, and that’s exactly what the Backseat SleepOut event aims to address.
On Thursday, 24th October, at Brisbane’s iconic Eat Street Northshore, the property and construction community are taking on the challenge of sleeping out in their cars to raise funds for homeless youth. By participating, they are not only bringing attention to the growing issue of youth homelessness but also directly contributing to tangible solutions. The goal? To raise $50,000, which in the context of our 50/50 building model, will effectively provide a bedroom in a Haven House—a safe haven for young people needing stability. This unique approach doubles the impact of every dollar raised, maximizing the value of donations to make a lasting difference.
The Power of $50: Small Contributions, Big Impact
Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in this mission. A donation of just $50 can provide essential toiletries for a young person living in a Haven House, offering them a small but vital piece of dignity and comfort. If we hit our $50,000 target, we can fund a bedroom valued at $100,000, providing a safe space for those who need it most.
Meet Emily: A Story of Resilience and Hope
Among the many young people who will benefit from these efforts are individuals like Emily*. During her final years of high school, Emily was forced to make the difficult decision to leave her home due to an unsafe environment. She is one of the 46,000 young Australians aged 15-24 who are currently facing homelessness. Every night, one in two young people seeking accommodation are turned away simply due to a lack of available beds.
Thanks to the support of initiatives like the Backseat SleepOut, Emily found a safe haven at Haven House Ruth. This secure housing allowed her to gain independence, establish financial stability, own a car for the first time, and pursue educational opportunities that set her on the path to a brighter future. As Emily shared, “Being at Haven House Ruth, I was able to have more independence through secure housing, establish my financial independence, own my car for the first time, and get access to study options so I can look towards getting a job.”
Community Champions: Stepping Up for Homeless Youth
The Backseat SleepOut has already inspired a wave of support from property and construction leaders eager to make a difference. Adrian Rich from MinterEllison is joining friends and family to raise funds for Haven Projects, providing critical safety and stability for youth in need. Ryan Latchford from ADG, along with his daughter Taylor, are also stepping up. Taylor’s words echo the sentiment of many participants: “I want everyone to have a good life when they are older and have a safe place to sleep.”
Alex Levy, who works at Mirvac, will be sleeping out in her car to highlight the impact of Queensland’s housing shortage on young people. She has seen firsthand the struggles faced by homeless youth and is committed to making a difference. Similarly, Marco Ficca from ADG and his son Oscar are participating in the sleepout, motivated by the challenges they see young people facing amidst rising living costs in Brisbane.
This is your chance to make a real difference. Register now to sleep out in the backseat of your car, raise funds, and show your support for homeless youth. Together, we can turn $50,000 into hope, security, and a brighter future for young Australians in need. Let’s come together and make a stand for what is right, because everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
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