On 24 October, our Queensland supporters will be drivers for change as they sleep out in their cars at our Backseat SleepOut event at Brisbane’s Eat Street, Northshore. Our charity partners, Brisbane Youth Service (BYS), Small Steps 4 Hannah and eSuarve will join us on the night, with their guest speakers sharing a lived experience of homelessness. Find out more about the charities and their life-changing work with at-risk young people.
Brisbane Youth Service (BYS)
What they do: For over 45 years, Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) has been dedicated to supporting homeless and vulnerable young people aged 12 to 25, and their children, throughout Brisbane and surrounding areas.
“The Property Industry Foundation’s collaborative approach not only creates homes but fosters belonging and stability for young people, empowering them to reach their potential.”
Pam Barker, BYS CEO
A connection to the Foundation: “The Property Industry Foundation has been a long-term ally in our mission to support vulnerable young people and young families,” says CEO Pam Barker. “Most recently, the Foundation and corporate partners transformed two vacant properties into homes for eight young people as part of our Falconer House program, which operates on the Advantaged Thinking model. This program includes onsite youth coaches who help residents gain independence and pursue education and employment goals.
Additionally, the Foundation helped fit out our Young Women, Families, and Safe Relationships Centre, providing a safe space for young women and families in need.”
What difference does an event like Backseat SleepOut make?
“This opportunity raises awareness about youth homelessness and highlights the role of community support in driving change. It’s inspiring to see the community engage with our mission to assist those in need. Representatives from BYS will be there, and we look forward to connecting with community members, supporters, and other organisations committed to ending youth homelessness in Brisbane. It is a fantastic opportunity to share our mission, celebrate collective efforts, and inspire others to join us in creating new futures for young people.”
Small Steps 4 Hannah
What they do: Hannah Clarke and her three children, Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, lost their lives because of domestic violence on 19 February 2020. The Clarke Family have established Small Steps 4 Hannah to raise awareness and educate children and young people to identify coercive control behaviours and H.A.L.T. the cycle of Domestic and Family Violence.
“The difference the Foundation and the property and construction industry have made to Small Steps 4 Hannah is overwhelming and if you could have seen the smiles and tears of joy on the faces of the women and children who moved into Hannah’s Sanctuary you could understand how grateful we really are.”
Tish Byram, Administration Manager
A connection to the Foundation: “We are so very grateful to the Property Industry Foundation and their support of our cause over the past couple of years,” says Tish. “Most notably, the Foundation was a major contributor to the furnishing of Hannah’s Sanctuary; a 9-townhouse secure community for women and their children rebuilding their lives after leaving domestic and family violence situations that opened in 2023. These women and their children have come from shelters with bags of clothes and nothing more, the Foundation made dreams a reality for some of the most vulnerable families. Truly a life changing partnership.”
What difference does an event like Backseat SleepOut make?
“We are very excited to be supported once again by the Foundation – the Backseat Sleepout is an incredible initiative which highlights the reality of young people who are homeless and at-risk. Our Director Laura Bos will be speaking on the night so we are grateful to support such a wonderful cause.”
eSuarve
What they do: Everything Suarve Inc. (eSuarve) is a not-for-profit organisation focused on empowering vulnerable young people, particularly those at risk of adverse outcomes like homelessness, unemployment, and involvement with the justice system. Their programs are designed to provide support, guidance, and opportunities to help these youth turn their lives around.
“The Foundation’s support amplifies our impact, empowering us to create sustainable change in the lives of vulnerable young people and helping them build a brighter future.”
Joseph Te Puni-Fromont, eSuarve Founder
Their flagship initiative, the Big Brother Program, pairs participants with mentors who have firsthand experience of overcoming similar life challenges, providing positive role models and an opportunity to build life skills, and self-confidence.
A connection to the Foundation: “Over two years ago, the Property Industry Foundation reached out to eSuarve after learning that, in addition to supporting disadvantaged youth, we were incorporating tiny home construction into our programs,” says Founder Joseph Te Puni-Fromont. “With a shared vision of reducing youth homelessness, this partnership was built on mutual passion and purpose.”
Since then, eSuarve has actively participated in several Foundation fundraising events and has been invited as guest speakers at various functions. The team has shown unwavering support by attending many of our student graduations, donating funds to further our mission, and playing a crucial role in our future plans to build more tiny homes for homeless youth. This partnership continues to be instrumental in helping us create lasting change in the lives of vulnerable young people.
What difference does an event like Backseat SleepOut make?
“This initiative highlights a cause that is deeply aligned with our mission to address youth homelessness and support vulnerable young people. Being part of such an impactful event not only raises critical funds for our programs but also helps spread awareness of the challenges faced by disadvantaged youth in our community.”
Grab your car keys, roll out a sleeping bag and join us for a night of connection and community at Backseat SleepOut on 24 October at Eat Street Northshore, Hamilton. Listen to fascinating guest speakers, enjoy delicious eats and fundraise for young people who don’t have a safe place to sleep.
