This week marks Homelessness Week (August 4-10) and is a timely reminder for everyone to play their part in helping those who most need support.
The theme this year is Action Now, and Sunshine Coast Council is committed to keep working with all levels of government and community to end homelessness.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli urged residents to learn what they could do to help and highlighted Council’s ongoing efforts to end homelessness as outlined in the Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2023.
“Council is keenly aware of the troubling issues facing the community on what is largely the responsibility of the state and federal governments,” Mayor Natoli said.
“From free hot showers to transitional housing and lived experience advocacy, we’re taking action now to ensure everyone in our community feels supported, safe and included.”
“We are working to provide support where possible, including our continued support for Street Up.
“Street Up is a collaborative initiative with community centres and people with lived experience of homelessness working together. It aims to ensure those voices are heard in decision making at all levels.
“We have also helped the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre to provide training for volunteers to assist with the Sunshine Coast Sleeper, formerly known as Sleepbus.
Mayor Natoli also recently attended a forum with the Queensland Housing Minister Sam O’Connor, along with the other Mayors of South East Queensland.
“This was the first forum of its kind, and it is focussed on working with the state Government to deliver tangible outcomes.
“We don’t need more talk in this space – we need action from the state and we, as mayors, are happy to work together and provide advice and support.
“A subcommittee established will support the Homelessness Ministerial Advisory Council.
“We’ve made great progress on our commitments in the Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2023, including delivering the first eight key worker dwellings, now tenanted, as part of our commitment to housing solutions.
What the community can do:
To help ensure everyone has access to safe, suitable accommodation, consider:
– Renting your investment property to long-term tenants or through the state government’s Helping Hand Headlease program.
– Adding a secondary dwelling or temporary home to your property.
– Renting a spare room.
– Donating land, funds, or vacant buildings to support community-led housing projects.
– Engaging with Street Up to foster genuine dialogue and collaboration.
