Homelessness Week, led by Homelessness Australia, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the causes and impacts of homelessness and advocate for the policy and community changes needed to end it. This year’s theme, “Homelessness Action Now,” calls for urgent, united efforts to address the housing crisis impacting thousands across the nation.
Across Queensland, the need for action has never been greater. In May 2026, more than 19,600 Queenslanders accessed Specialist Homelessness Services, while more than 9,900 people are now experiencing persistent or repeat homelessness. As of June 2026, more than 46,000 Queenslanders were on the social housing register, with around half identified as homeless or at risk of homelessness.
At Y Queensland, we're helping address this need by providing safe, affordable housing and long-term support. We currently provide 127 long-term community housing tenancies across our three housing complexes, and in the past 12 months we've helped 11 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness access a safe and affordable home.
Source: Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works, 2026.
Tony’s story: Finding a place to belong
Tony, 60, has lived on the Gold Coast for 57 years. Before finding a safe and affordable home through Y Queensland, life was about surviving.
Tony trained as a chef, but life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
"I went to school to become a chef, but unfortunately I got really sick with Type 1 diabetes. It became hard to work, then my wife became sick too."
As his circumstances changed, Tony found himself without the stability many people take for granted.
"When you don't have a place to stay, you feel vulnerable. It's terrifying. You feel like no one really cares."
Finding a safe place to call home gave Tony something he hadn't felt in a long time: security.
"It was like a weight had been lifted. I could finally take a deep breath."
Today, Tony says having a secure home has given him more than just a roof over his head. It's given him peace of mind, independence and the chance to look ahead again.
He enjoys cooking again, values the sense of security his home provides, and wants to use his own experience to make a difference for others.
"I want to help people. I want to fix the problem of homelessness."
Tony believes everyone deserves the chance to feel safe and connected.
Malcolm’s story: A place to feel safe again
Malcolm spent several months living wherever he could before finding support through a local free meals service.
"I was living here and there for a couple of months before I found out about the free meals. That's how I found this place."
Since moving in November, Malcolm says life has changed in ways that go beyond simply having a roof over his head.
"It's great here. I get along with my neighbour and everyone seems to get along."
For Malcolm, having a safe place to call home has brought something he had been missing for a long time.
"Having a roof over your head means you're safe."
He says one of the biggest differences is the sense of community.
"The people here keep an eye out for each other."
Before finding stable housing, daily life was filled with uncertainty. Now, Malcolm can focus on the future instead of where he'll sleep each night.
"I'm hoping to get back to playing cricket."
For Malcolm, a safe home has provided more than shelter. It has given him peace of mind, a supportive community, and the confidence to look ahead again.
Rose’s story: A place to call home
Rose is an 83 year old tenant who has lived at Nowell B Taylor House for 12 years. “When I first moved here, four or five units were available. The manager before Janine let me choose, which was nice. There was one on the fourth floor and one on the third, each unique, but I chose this one because I love gardening. You must see my garden before you leave.
I’m glad I picked this unit, designed for handicapped residents with a seat in the shower and lower fittings. It’s more spacious too, but I chose it for the garden and have never regretted it.
I’m very happy here because I can afford it, which is crucial now with high prices. It’s safe, and I can leave and know someone will look after things. That’s everything I need.
The best part of living here is the low rent, even though it might sound trivial. It’s important. I can’t think of anything I dislike about living here. It’s convenient and suits me perfectly. I’ve adapted to it, or it to me.
Responding to “What has been the most significant change in your life since living here?”
“Security is the biggest change, especially as you get older. I do not often admit it, but security is a big concern. Many older adults are still in rented houses without security, worried every time their lease expires. Yes, you worry a lot.”
Gordon’s story: Setting down roots after van life
For nearly 20 years, Gordon called his camper van home until chronic pain forced him to seek more stable living arrangements. Today, at 83 years old, Gordon lives at Nowell B Taylor House, a Y Queensland community housing facility.
“I cook for myself, and I’m proud of my garden where I grow veggies and herbs and share with my neighbours who need the extra leg up,” he said.
“At Taylor House, I have better access to healthcare and support and can see my six grandchildren more often.”
Gordon is one of many Queenslanders whose life has been transformed by secure, affordable housing.
🔗 Read Gordon’s full story here
Safe and Affordable Housing Coming 2027 in Mango Hill
On Tuesday, 22 July 2025, we officially broke ground at Mango Hill with a sod-turning ceremony, marking the start of construction for our new affordable housing complex. This site will soon provide safe, secure, and affordable one-bedroom units for women over 55.
We were honoured to be joined by the Hon. Sam O’Connor MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works, Minister for Youth; Cr Peter Flannery, Mayor of the City of Moreton Bay; and Y Queensland CEO Damian Foley alongside our dedicated staff, community supporters, and project partners.
“This project will not only help women over 55 who are at risk of homelessness,” said Damian Foley, CEO of Y Queensland, “but also create a vibrant community around them. At Mango Hill, we’re in a unique position to offer wraparound support services with a community centre, an op shop, a Y school, and a gymnastics centre all on-site.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to get to this point,” Damian Foley added. “I’d like to acknowledge all those who have worked enormously hard to bring this vision to life, thank you.”
This initiative is a direct response to the urgent need for affordable housing in our region and reflects our commitment to building communities where older women can live with safety, independence, and belonging.
2024 Community Housing Outcomes Report: Key Findings
Our recently published Y Community Housing Outcomes Report 2024 highlights just how impactful stable housing can be. Among our tenants:
-
90% feel safe in their homes
-
86% report feeling more connected to others
-
77% say they can access health-related services when needed
-
79% report their income is now sufficient for their needs
-
52% feel a greater sense of control over their lives
These findings speak to the power of affordable housing in fostering wellbeing, empowerment, and resilience especially for people who have experienced homelessness, domestic violence, incarceration, or long-term disadvantage.
Building Healthy, Connected and Thriving Communities
As we mark Homelessness Week 2026, we stand with others across the country calling for real, immediate solutions. Through our community housing initiatives, local partnerships, and wraparound support services, Y Queensland is delivering long-term, life-changing outcomes.
To learn more about our Affordable Housing solutions click here.
