A Catholic organisation serving people sleeping rough in South Brisbane will soon open its doors every night, expanding its homelessness and housing support to more than 100 people daily. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Emmanuel City Mission’s Night Sanctuary runs as a one-night-a-week trial, accommodating about 30 people for a meal and a rest.
The Queensland Government has committed long-term funding to the homelessness service in the 2026-27 State Budget ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
With the new funding, the building will be refurbished and expanded to offer up to 110 beds a night, seven nights a week.
Emmanuel City Mission founder Roby Curtis said the funding boost would allow the service to reach more people doing it tough.
“The Night Sanctuary was created to ensure people sleeping rough have somewhere safe, welcoming and supportive to spend the night, and this investment gives us the certainty to operate seven nights a week,” Mr Curtis said.
“Every night we see the difference that a meal, a safe place to rest and a caring community can make.
“We look forward to helping more people take the next step towards stability, housing and a brighter future.”
Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay welcomed the investment and government partnership.
“Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion and to know they have a safe place to turn in times of hardship,” he said.
“I’m delighted that the Catholic Church has been able to be so much a part of this project.”
The local parish – Good Shepherd Parish South Brisbane, West End – was committed to ensuring that this facility was available to make a concrete difference in the lives of people, Archbishop Mackinlay said.
“The Catholic faith community that worships here has been determined for over 15 years to ensure that they are not just a community that celebrates faith but that makes a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.
“We welcome this investment and the recognition that partnerships between government, community organisations and people of faith can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable Queenslanders.”
Housing and Public Works Minister Sam O’Connor said the long-term funding for homelessness services would provide certainty so they could focus on Queensland’s most vulnerable people.
“This is the start of our 2032 Games housing legacy to make sure no one gets left behind as we prepare to welcome the world.”
FULL STORY
Catholic community expands support for homeless in Brisbane (By Kymberlee Gomes, The Catholic Leader)
