A sleepover that matters

Staff at a Moreton Bay early learning centre will be couch surfing this week to support homeless young people.

Around 12 members of staff at Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay are preparing to swap home comforts for blow-up mattresses and sleeping bags.

As part of Youth Homelessness Matters Day, on Wednesday April 15, they will join Chameleon Housing’s Couch Surf for a Cause, which aims to raise $100,000.

Chameleon Housing, which has centres in Kippa-Ring and recently opened a second at Strathpine to help young people experiencing homelessness.

Many do not have a safe home, often have to move and are forced to couch surf.

Alana Lunn, Centre Director at Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay, said joining the fundraiser seemed a “natural way for our team to give back”.

“As soon as the idea was introduced, staff were eager to be involved,” she said.

“There was a real sense of enthusiasm around combining a team-building experience with the opportunity to support such an important cause.

“While spending a night on a mattress at the centre may seem like a small gesture, it’s a reminder of the reality faced by many young people in our community who do not have the comfort of a safe and secure place to sleep each night.”

Alana said Gardenia Early Learning is “passionate about supporting communities” it is part of and Chameleon Housing has had a “meaningful impact on many local families”.

“Because there is already such a strong relationship between our organisations, we felt it was important to show our support and stand behind the work they do for families in need,” she said.

“While our accommodation will be quite simple compared to our usual comforts, we’ll be setting up blow-up mattresses and sleeping bags on the children’s mellow mats to create our temporary “beds” for the night.”

The team is planning a relaxed evening of board games, a movie and a shared pizza dinner.

“It’s a great opportunity to spend time together as a team while reflecting on the purpose behind the fundraiser,” Alana said.

“If our involvement helps raise awareness, strengthen community connection and contribute in a small way to the important work of Chameleon House, it will be a night well spent.”

Couch Surf for a Cause is encouraging supporters to organise a sleepover with friends between April 11-19 and help Chameleon Housing.

In the last five years, 184 people - mostly between 15 and 25 - have been housed by Chameleon Housing service.

The organisation provides “safe and affordable crisis and short-term accommodation to help young people find their way”.

It provides housing for young families while they learn skills needed for independence, ante and post natal care, parenting and accommodation and support for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander families.