Goodna Street Life is an independent, self-funded registered charity providing housing, support, and essential services for people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability in our community. Established in 2015 by a group of dedicated locals, our mission began with the simple goal of creating a safe local shelter — and has since grown into a diverse range of life-changing programs.
Today, we provide housing assistance and tenancy support, drug and alcohol (AOD) programs, domestic violence and crisis support, counselling, creative art therapy, training and skills programs, and community events. Our Helens Haven Motel continues to provide crisis accommodation in a supportive environment, helping people overcome barriers and transition into long-term housing.
Alongside these services, we operate our popular Op Shop and Community Foodbank, with our new Haven Takeaway and Meal Services opening soon to provide even more accessible support.
Because we receive no ongoing government funding, everything we do is made possible through fundraising, donations, social enterprise, and the generosity of our community. Every dollar raised goes directly towards providing safe shelter, meals, and practical support for those who need it most.
The causes of homelessness are varied and complex. Our service follows the Housing First approach, which prioritises permanent and stable housing for people experiencing homelessness. The guiding principle of Housing First is that safe and secure housing should be quickly provided prior to, and not conditional upon, addressing other health and well-being issues.
► Accommodation issues housing crisis, inadequate or inappropriate dwellings |
34% |
► Financial Difficulties housing stress, unemployment |
25% |
► Domestic violence and relationship issues time out from family, family breakdown, violence and assault |
24% |
► Transition/Discrimination transition from care/ custody, lack of support, discrimination |
13% |
► Health mental health issues, substance abuse issues |
3% |
"The development of Housing First in Australia has been constrained by the lack of appropriate affordable housing stock necessary to quickly house those experiencing homelessness. To date, Housing First projects have run as pilot programs or with time limited funding, rather than as part of a government supported approach to addressing homelessness. Nevertheless, results from these initial projects have have promising. An evaluation of the MISHA project by Mission Australia from 2010—2013, which used a Housing First approach, found that after two years 97% of clients were still living in secure housing; and the associated cost savings to government equated to $8,002 per person per year."
Source: The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)
Goodna Street Life provides a broad range of services to assist people based on their individual needs.
Foodbank and hampers, hygiene packs, clothing, furniture and material aid.
Learn MoreOur homelessness services are funded by the generous community donations to our Op Shop at the Goodna Marketplace, shop 7, 5 Smiths Rd Goodna. We have huge range of items including:
You can also make purchases through our online store with all proceeds supporting the homeless and vulnerable people in our community.
Shop OnlineDonateDonations accepted during business hours, for after hours donations, please contact the shop for more info.
07 3818 1520Donations accepted during business hours, for after hours donations, please contact the shop for more info.
07 3818 1520Our foodbank is located at Helens Haven, and can provide food hampers, discounted groceries and the option to pay your food account through centrepay.
Learn MoreDonate