Young people facing homelessness are getting their lives back on track thanks to a generous donation from Albany Creek State High School.
Money raised by the school's students is supporting the Sponsor a Bed program at Carinity Orana. The service provides crisis accommodation for homeless people aged 16 to 21 years and young people at risk of becoming homeless.
Carinity Orana provides immediate supported accommodation at Bald Hills for up to five residents at a time, for an average stay of six months.
Ainsley Gilbert and Nadia de Gong were members of Albany Creek State High School's Student Representative Council which late last year organised a fundraiser in support of Carinity Orana.
"We were looking for a charity to support and we saw how Carinity Orana provides for people who are less fortunate, and helps those who are in dire circumstances," Ainsley said.
"I personally thought for us teenagers who may know young people who need some help sometimes, Carinity is a very helpful organisation to have in our community and to support."
Nadia said the school's students raised around $500 through a Christmas-themed free dress day.
"We asked students to wear a Christmas shirt to school and bring a $2 donation. The support was amazing; we didn't expect the event to be so large and for so many of our junior school students to participate," she said.
Carinity Orana Program Manager, Dave McNair, thanked the school students for their generosity in supporting an important local community service.
"Many of the young people referred to our service lack the basic items they need to live such as clothing, uniforms, toiletries, linen and access to transport - things we often take for granted. Our service relies on generous donors for support," Dave said.
Dave said Carinity Orana, established in 1981, helps young people to "transition to independence and a brighter future".
Youth workers assist to the young people to access education, training, employment, counselling services, recreational activities, new social networks, and permanent accommodation.
"Young people will often come to Carinity Orana in crisis and we help them to become stable and start to help them to move forward in their lives", Dave said.
"We walk alongside young people, identifying their unique strengths and resources, and presenting options and choices so they can make informed choices in their life."
Anyone wishing to sponsor a bed at Carinity Orana can pledge their support online
