Big news in bid for youth housing

A concerted community campaign to provide more accommodation for Moreton Bay’s homeless youth has received a significant boost with a property secured and Chameleon Housing ready to replicate its successful programs.

Supporters of Chameleon Housing have worked hard to raise money for a second house, to mirror the work the charity has done at its Kippa-Ring location, for more than 30 years.

Their efforts came to fruition on November 7, when the organisation’s purchase of a property at Strathpine was finalised.

There is one final hurdle to overcome – securing operational funding from the State Government.

Chameleon Housing Manager Nicki Kemp says her team has submitted a proposal to the Department of Housing and is confident of a favourable response.

“We have a timeline to hopefully move in early next year (February), with their support in providing operating funds,” she says.

“We’re asking for operating funds of just over $1 million, so staff who are qualified can be here 24/7.”

They would support those living at the house and be part of the Queensland Homelessness Information Platform (QHIP), helping individuals who phone a hotline and need assistance with housing.

The Strathpine house, formerly known as Clyde House, is on 1.61ha and has five bedrooms with ensuites, a self-contained transitional accommodation unit, two offices, staff accommodation, and large living areas.

It was opened by Lions Youth Emergency Accommodation Centre (LYEAC Pine Rivers) Inc in 1999, and was built to provide safe haven for children referred by the Department of Child Safety, Communities and Disability Services.

LYEAC representative Christine Schofield says the organisation ceased operating in this location about one month ago, with children moved to an alternative residential facility.

“We’re very happy it’s going to be used by Chameleon Housing ... selling it to another organisation that we know would continue the legacy that LYEAC has created,” Christine says.

“Knowing how Chameleon House works with the youth to develop the life skills is very important (to LYEAC).”

Chameleon Housing Manager Nicki Kemp says community support has driven the charity’s bid to open a second house every step of the way, including the home purchase.

Nicki says LYEAC reached out to say it was selling the facility and asked if Chameleon Housing would be open to a discussion about it.

“We met with them several times. They knew the essence of what Chameleon House does. They recognised that, and came to the party, and are just as much a part of making this happen as we are. It wasn’t just a transaction,” she explains.

“They saw our passion and our spirit and they lowered their price. Without them doing that, I’m not sure that we would have been able to purchase the house.

“It’s very special that we can continue to support the heritage of the property, that it was built in the special way that it was ... that we can continue that legacy.”

Community effort

Another key player has been community developer Ausbuild, which has held two gala events to raise money for the cause.

Joint Managing Director Matthew Bell says the events have raised about $230,000.

“We’ve run two Housing for Happiness fundraisers – one last year and the other the year before. They were really successful nights and they brought the business community together ... we raised over $100,000 at each of those,” he says.

“The intention, originally, was to try to assist them in building a new facility, but the challenges in finding land and working with council ... we were hopeful something would happen, but some of those things seemed to take so long.

“To find something that’s purpose-built and renovated like this ... this is exactly what I thought we could be assisting them in building. It’s so pleasing to see that they’ve got exactly what they wanted, ready to go.

“Now, it’s just about finalising the operational costs and services and fitting it out. It’s going to be great to see lots of youth benefit from this in the years to come. We look forward to seeing it fitted out and operational.”

Nicki says Chameleon Housing is grateful for the support received from Ausbuild, local businesses and residents.

“It’s phenomenal. The community has supported us through many different avenues – we’re talking about sausage sizzles at Bunnings, buying our cookbooks, making donations ... all of that money has been pooled for years to be able to achieve this outcome,” she says.

“It’s phenomenal to walk away with a tangible outcome ... to say we did it. It’s really amazing. It’s so exciting.

“The property is very warm and we see the specialness in the future and what this property can bring to many young people. It will provide over 2000 bed nights, which is so important and needed for young people in this community.”

Nicki says there are 600-1000 young people sleeping rough in the City of Moreton Bay who are homeless and need support.

“We know that the framework that we use at Chameleon House is special and we know that it works. We get amazing outcomes, we see young people thrive and grow,” she says.

“We really want to replicate it here.”

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By Dominika Lis