Local organisation formed to support people on the front line of homelessness

STREET Works is a Hervey Bay based program that seeks to support people who are living rough in parks and streets, boarding rooms and other temporary housing arrangements.  Most have experienced a string of life events and circumstances where they are now facing long term accommodation instability.  

Street Works is run by the local not-for-profit community organisation called Kindness Works. 

Kindness Works was established in 2021 by members of the Hervey Bay Baptist Church, with the purpose to look outside the Church to how members might address the issues of poverty, homelessness and family relationship breakdown and offer hope into what can seem insurmountable problems.

Jo Lambden, a volunteer with Street Works, says the program started from simply meeting people who were living rough and homeless in the Torquay foreshore area. This community saw that not everyone is fortunate to have a regular location that can be called a “home”.

From those early relationships, a men’s support group from the Hervey Bay Baptist Church commenced a breakfast every Tuesday along the foreshore In November 2020, with the purpose of meeting those doing it tough where they gathered and offering friendship and support.

“It started three years ago with providing Tuesday breakfasts at Torquay Park that lead to us meeting the many long term homeless who had created living areas on our beaches”, says Jo.

“We realised that there was a need to create a space that made connections and friendships that where people could support each other.”

The Lounge was opened in August 2022 on Truro Street, opposite the recently opened Mini Golf Hervey Bay, from the need to create this safe environment.

The Lounge opens three half days per week, and a community meal held each Monday evening. The venue provides a “quiet space off the streets and away from the boarding rooms where people can come and relax for a friendly chat, grab some hygiene supplies, food items, a swag or warm bedding or enjoy a quiet game of cards or a cuppa with friends in a safe environment.”

Jo Lambden says it has created a real sense of community for people. “Those who visit the Lounge have made some strong friendships that we know that they look out for each other in desperate times”.

She also made mention of the generosity from the public with donations. “We can only give what has been donated.”

Kindness Works has been fortunate to have approximately 70 volunteers that have supported their cause.  The core group that are regularly at the coal face of this work are all provided training.

Kindness Works has also implemented the Creating Opportunities And Casting Hope (COACH) program that aims to empower individuals and families through one-to-one mentoring. Families are matched with a mentor/coach by their Coordinator, and the mentor then walks alongside the family for an average of 15 months per family with one hour visits each week.

People can donate clothing and pantry safe food. Urgent requirements needed through donations of new and clean, used items including towels, sleeping bags, tents, tarps and canned food.

Donations and support for the programs can be made through the Hervey Bay Baptist Church on 4124 7200.