Already, the end of another financial year approaches and as I look back on the year so far, much has been achieved with young people and young families experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
You have been an integral part of these achievements and I want to thank you for your generous support, and your trust and belief in Brisbane Youth Service.
Your gifts have helped so much – in fact they have been crucial in providing for the most vulnerable young people in our community and their children. Half of the 1,260 young people we saw last year at BYS were homeless. Your donations have provided essential medicines, travel, training and emergency aid, and have helped to give them the best chance for a new future.
With the colder months approaching, life is about to get even harder for young people and young families without a place to call home.
I ask you to spare a thought for those young people who are looking for a safe place to sleep tonight. Many young people are sleeping rough or couch surfing and living in unsafe situations. Often young people find themselves homeless due to family breakdown, or family and domestic violence.
This winter, can you share some of your warmth? Your kind donation today will make a big difference to young people who are facing a cold winter without shelter.
In addition to helping young people who are sleeping rough we also assist those who have been able to secure housing to set up their homes. This includes providing beds, linen, blankets, whitegoods and other essential household items.
Your donation will help us make a significant difference to young people. Last year for example, after our support, the rate of homelessness of the young people we assisted reduced from 53% to 15%. We are proud of the outcomes we achieve with young people. These outcomes would not be possible without you, our generous donors.
As always, we are truly grateful for your support. Please donate now.
Sincerely
Annemaree Callander
Chief Executive Officer