In a significant development during this year’s Homelessness Week, Street Up was launched on the Sunshine Coast.
This pioneering initiative brings together lived experience leaders with councils, businesses, and service providers to drive meaningful change regarding homelessness backed by authentic insights.
Street Up is a collaborative effort involving the Sunshine Coast Council, Caloundra Community Centre, Nambour Community Centre, and individuals with firsthand experience of homelessness.
This initiative is dedicated to transforming how the community understands and addresses homelessness by leveraging the unique insights of those who have experienced it directly.
The launch was marked by inspiring presentations from lived experience leaders who shared their journeys and the profound impact that personal insights can have on shaping effective, compassionate, and inclusive solutions.
These stories were supported by UQ PhD candidate and postdoctoral research fellow Skye Constantine who shared their research insights on how lived and living experience knowledge might help end homelessness in Australia.
“Every story about how a person came to experience homelessness is different,” Skye said.
“While there are some common themes and needs, suitable housing being a key one, there are also countless little decisions and opportunities that could contribute to making great differences.
“To make real change, and to end homelessness, we need to be ready to listen, collaborate, and act with the people who know where change is needed because they’ve lived through the consequences.”
Attendees included Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, councillors, community members, service providers, community organisations and local business leaders who engaged in discussions on how to integrate these valuable perspectives into their work.
“Today’s Street Up launch underscores the Sunshine Coast Council’s commitment to integrating the lived experiences of homeless individuals into the fabric of our social response systems,” Rosanna said.
“By partnering with lived experience leaders, we are not just advocating for change; we are actively facilitating a platform where real insights lead to genuine and sustainable solutions.”
The initiative not only promises to challenge existing perceptions but also aims to enhance responses to homelessness across the Sunshine Coast, hoping to set a precedent for similar initiatives nationwide.
Ian Campbell, a Street Up Lived Experience Leader said the launch marked a pivotal moment not just for the Street Up team, but for the entire community.
“This initiative isn’t just about giving voice to those of us who have lived through homelessness; it’s about ensuring that our experiences and insights help inform decisions being made regarding homelessness to help enhance our whole community,” he said.
“Street Up empowers us to collaborate directly with councils, businesses, and service providers, offering a unique perspective that is often overlooked. Our goal is to drive real, sustainable change that addresses the root causes of homelessness and improves the lives of those affected by it. I am proud to be part of this transformative journey and am hopeful for the impactful changes we’re set to achieve together.”
For further information on how to support or get involved with Street Up, visit streetup.com.au
