Fundraiser to help homeless youth

Published 5:00am 16 August 2023

Words by Kylie Knight

Chameleon Housing’s bid to open a second share house for young people needing emergency accommodation will ramp up this week with a major fundraising event and auction.

Community developer Ausbuild is backing Chameleon Housing by hosting a Housing for Happiness Gala at Eatons Hill Hotel on August 18. An online silent auction is now live and the community can also make donations via the website.

The event and fundraising campaign are proudly supported by Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT).

Chameleon Housing is a not-for-profit specialist homeless service which has been helping young people aged 16-25 years, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, for more than 30 years.

It provides safe and affordable accommodation on the Redcliffe peninsula and surrounding areas and the team works with young people to help them take control of their lives in a supported, strength-based environment.

The team encourages and supports people to assess their goals and begin the process to achieve them. Staff also work with families to help young parents and their children build a bright future.

Desperate need

Chameleon Housing Chief Executive Officer Carmel Riethmuller thanked Ausbuild for raising awareness of the desperate need for more for housing for children and young people in the City of Moreton Bay.

|“Housing children and young people has not been a priority. Ausbuild are raising awareness around children, young people and homelessness. They are giving them a platform,” she says.|

“They are also giving young people hope for the future. Ausbuild care.

“I’d also like to thank Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT). They have long been the champion of young people and this would not be happening without Shane Newcombe and the awesome MBRIT team.”

Ausbuild Joint Managing Director Matthew Bell says making a positive local impact is important to the Ausbuild team.

“We are proud to host the second Housing for Happiness Gala this Friday night, supporting the team at Chameleon Housing to provide emergency accommodation for some of the region’s most vulnerable young people,” he says.

“We are deeply committed to a long-term role contributing to the growth of Moreton Bay, including delivering meaningful social, economic and educational opportunities.

|“We’re encouraging everyone to get behind the silent auction or donate to help these young people at risk move out of crisis towards a brighter future.”|

MBRIT CEO Natassia Wheeler says the team is proud to support Chameleon Housing in its bid for a second house.

“Chameleon Housing has a proven track record of changing the lives of vulnerable young people at its existing facility but would love to help more youth feel safe, secure and supported to reach their full potential,” Ms Wheeler says.

“I congratulate Ausbuild for the Housing for Happiness initiative and hope the gala achieves its goal, so that Chameleon Housing can help more youth in our community.”