Local charity asks businesses to help stop families losing their homes
Patrons Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Ted O’Brien with Aus Living Support’s Marketing Director Dessi Mitzeva, Operations Director Kent Roberts, CEO Ian Harrison and Fundraising Director Leanne Harrison.
For some local families, the difference between keeping a roof overhead and falling into homelessness can come down to a short-term crisis and a small amount of timely support.
Aus Living Support Ltd has launched its Stay Safe 50 Campaign, calling on local businesses to contribute $50 a week to help vulnerable families remain safely housed.
Aus Living Support CEO Ian Harrison said small, consistent contributions from many people could create a massive collective impact and "rescue a family".
The Sunshine Coast charity says more families are at risk of losing their homes because of sudden setbacks.
“For many, it only takes a short-term setback, through no fault of their own, such as a death in the family, job loss, or unexpected crisis for everything to unravel.
“Right now, we are seeing more families than ever at risk of losing their homes,” said Mr Harrison. “Together we can create stability where hope can grow. Because there's nothing worse in your life than not seeing a way out.”
Through its Stay Safe 50 Program, the charity provides rapid support, often within 48 hours to prevent eviction and stabilise housing.
“$50 a week may seem small, but together it creates real impact,” said Fundraising Director Leanne Harrison. “Just four businesses can keep a local family safely housed for a full week.”
Aus Living Support is a 100% local charity, with all funds staying on the Coast to support domestic violence survivors, vulnerable children, and families in crisis.
“This is about local businesses supporting local people,” Mr Harrison said. “Together, we can create stability and give families the chance to rebuild.”
Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien praised the organisation's preventative approach, acknowledging the difficulty in promoting proactive work despite its value. “You're catching people before they fall. And that's a harder thing to sell in a way, but it's a more important thing to deliver.
"Unless we have a strong local community, very localised solutions, people will fall through the cracks."
Mr O’Brien is a patron along with Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson.
• Businesses can join the campaign at www.auslivingsupport.org.au/donate or contact Aus Living Support directly, care@auslivingsupport.org.au.
