And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time.
Boy George – Band Aid 1984
It’s been a tough year for many local residents and, with the impact of a devastating flood and now a nationwide cost-of-living crisis, it has never been more important to throw our arms around our vulnerable neighbours.
For most of us, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration but for many Queenslanders, these extraordinary times have created uncertainty. That’s where we come in with our campaign to – open hearts, open wallets and open buildings.
I’m asking you to open yours hearts and wallets this Christmas to support organisations like Communify, which runs the Neighbourhood Centre at New Farm. Your financial contribution could help rough sleepers and people at risk of homelessness.
Open Doors Youth Services provides services to vulnerable LGBTIQ+ people and we gift them peppercorn rent in a Council building in Fortitude Valley – they’d very much value your financial contribution too.
As we face the twin scourges of a housing crisis and domestic violence coming together, many people are sadly finding themselves sleeping in cars and tents.
That’s why we’re asking you to support our campaign to open up the unused Federal Pinkenba Quarantine Facility for crisis accommodation.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and I, together with frontline housing providers, visited the unused Federal Government facility last week and are committed to working with community organisations and all levels of government to make sure these 500 empty beds are put to good use.
View the pictures and lend your support at vickihoward.com/ReusePinkenba
Your kind response could help spread the joy of Christmas to those in need.
Below you’ll find links to many local organisations in our area – they’d all appreciate your support this Christmas.
Merry Christmas
Vicki
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Not-for-profit provider of community-based services, working in the community for over 30 years that specialises in working with older people, those that experience disability, mental illness, as well as those who are at risk of homelessness.
Creating an environment where everyone can experience mutually enjoyable, respectful and caring relationships with people and the broader community.
Providing support to young people with diverse genders, bodies and sexualities.
3rd Space helps thousands of people every year through the dignity of a hot shower, café style meals as well as access to medical, mental health, law, tenancy, employment, and other services. These services focus on breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Supporting homeless and vulnerable young people (aged 12-25 years) and their children, to secure and maintain housing
Holy Trinity Anglican – Pantry
Trinity Pantry started out as a small help service for those who had simply didn’t have enough to eat or who had met with some temporary crisis and no funds. Over thirty years later, it is now a food assistance service providing for over 1000 people each year.
St Vincent De Paul – Fortitude Valley
Valley Hearts – Small, volunteer-based charity that seeks to support the marginalised community of the wider Fortitude Valley area