Pictured: Cassie, who is one of the young people involved with BABI, highlights the flyer for the upcoming dinner. Photo: Supplied.
BY ASHLEIGH HOWARTH
Wynnum will shine a light on youth homelessness next month, with a community dinner to raise funds for more safe housing and support for young people in need.
The BABI Youth and Family Service Bright Futures Dinner will take place at the Wynnum Golf Club on Thursday, September 10, with the organisation hoping to build on last year’s success, which raised about $20,000.
With pressure on housing services at an all-time high, BABI CEO Shaun Staunton said the event was a way for the community to make a real difference.
“The Bright Futures Dinner is our biggest fundraising event of the year, and every dollar raised helps us move closer to our long-term goal of providing more housing options for young people in the bayside area,” he said.
“For young people, early intervention is crucial. If we can help stabilise their situation by putting them in stable accommodation and connecting them with a caseworker, it can change the trajectory of their life.
“With more and more young people seeking support, the need has never been greater.
“Tickets are on sale now, and we hope the community will come on board to help support us.”
BABI’s accommodation program typically supports young people for six to 12 months, with the aim of transitioning them into longer-term housing options through the Department of Housing or other services.
A well-known organisation with more than 40 years of service in the bayside region, BABI also delivers a range of other initiatives, including youth support services, counselling, family support workshops, the Linx Youth Space program and Get Set for Work.
With thousands of people accessing its services each year, Shaun said support often spans multiple generations of the same family.
“It’s not uncommon for parents or even grandparents to bring their young people to us because they know the support we provide,” he said.
“That shows the trust the community has in BABI.”
The dinner includes a two-course meal, a welcome drink and entertainment, with tickets priced at $120 each or $1,100 for a table of 10.
A “pay it forward” initiative will also allow community members to purchase tickets for young people or others who may not otherwise be able to attend.
To book, visit Trybooking and search BABI Bright Futures Dinner.
