Local community groups have joined forces with the Department of Housing and Sunshine Coast Council to provide support services for those experiencing housing crisis – all under one roof.
COVID-19 has forced some support organisations to temporarily close or reduce their service offering, prompting IFYS to coordinate the establishment of the Sunshine Coast Community Hub at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
IFYS, with a number of other organisations, is offering clothes washing facilities, showers, medical consults and flu vaccinations, emergency meal packs and housing and financial advice for those in need.
IFYS Executive Manager Community Services Vicky Meyer said there was already demand for services that support vulnerable individuals and families sleeping rough and in cars locally, and there could be increased demand as a result of people losing their jobs to the pandemic.
“We’ve seen an increase for services needed in our communities and have established the Hub as a one-stop shop for individuals and families facing housing crisis,” she said.
“We’ve been contacted by people who have previously not needed to access these types of services, who are now homeless and sleeping in their cars.
“It’s wonderful that all of these organisations have come together to provide support where it’s really needed.
“We encourage those who are doing it tough or sleeping rough to come and see us. We’re here to help.”
The Hub opened on 5 May and is open three days a week (Tues – Thurs, 10am-3pm). Other support organisations include Orange Sky Laundry, Sunny Street, Coast2Bay Housing, Department of Health specialist services and the Department of Housing. Sunshine Coast Council and Unitywater are also providing support through facilities and food packs.
