Anglicare Southern Queensland has officially launched its Tea for Tomorrow campaign with the first of a series of tea party celebrations at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Holland Park.
With every cup of tea poured at a Tea for Tomorrow event, funds will go towards Anglicare’s Youth Homelessness Accommodation Project. This project will build safe accommodation for young Queenslanders experiencing homelessness.
The $14 million purpose-built facility in Logan is designed to provide safety, dignity, and opportunity for youth aged 16–25.
A meaningful way to bring people together
Anglicare Southern Queensland Chief Executive Officer Sue Cooke said the Tea for Tomorrow campaign provides a meaningful way to bring people together.
“Anglicare Southern Queensland is committed to doing all we can to alleviate housing pressures amongst young people,” Ms Cooke said.
“Any support we receive to help us bring this accommodation to life is truly appreciated. Tea for Tomorrow is a terrific opportunity to strengthen community spirit and unite people for an important cause.
“We are so grateful to St Matthew’s Anglican Church for hosting the first of many Tea for Tomorrow’s to come. I encourage everyone in the community to consider hosting your own event where you can invite your friends, neighbours and colleagues for a wholesome tea party in support of young Queenslanders at risk of homelessness,” Ms Cooke said.
St Matthew’s Anglican Church Reverend Morris Rangiwai said it was an honour to host the first Tea for Tomorrow.
“It was a beautiful morning that brought our St Matthew’s community together for such an important cause,” Reverend Rangiwai said.
“Our parish community is built on compassion and care for others. Hosting Tea for Tomorrow serves as a way to remind us all of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
Youth homelessness rates are rising
According to recent data, more than 43,000 children and young people presented to a housing service in 2023-24 across Australia. Unfortunately, more than half of them were turned away due to availability constraints.
“Homelessness rates are rising amongst young people. Sadly, there’s insufficient accommodation and wrap around support available to connect them to services to achieve long-term housing outcomes and opportunities for a brighter future,” Ms Cooke said.
“We know that with stable housing and the right support network, young people can positively change their life trajectory. With this, they can secure employment, education, and long-term housing.
“Our Logan Accommodation project is a modern facility that’ll provide much-needed accommodation to young people. It will also provide them with a range of vital wrap around support services. For instance, mental health support, cultural education and connection, support with living skills, financial literacy, relationship building skills and opportunities to pursue educational or employment pursuits.”
The Youth Homelessness Accommodation project is set to officially open by late 2025. It’s set to deliver 30 apartments to vulnerable young people. To find out more about the project please visit Youth Homelessness Project.
To host your own Tea for Tomorrow event, please click here.