Mackay homeless advocate and ‘leader’ Kayleigh Brewster opens new drop-in hub

From the people who brought you Chances Cafe and Op Shop comes Chances House, the one stop drop-in hub for Mackay’s homeless. DETAILS, PHOTOS

Belinda Hassan, Alison Jones and Julieanne Gilbert have all supported the Australian Street Aid project over the course of their political careers. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mackay’s community leaders, business owners, freshly minted councillors and volunteers gathered on Endeavour St for the grand opening of the Australian Street Aid Project’s latest triumph.

Councillors, business owners and Community leaders gathered to celebrate the auspicious opening of Chances House. Photo: Fergus Gregg

“Ladies and gentlemen, how good is this?” newly re-elected mayor Greg Williamson said as he introduced the star of the show.

“It takes a leader, someone with passion, drive and vision and this is the lady.”

Young mother Kayleigh Brewster has been advocating and working to support the homeless at her cafe and Op Shop after befriending a homeless person and starting a crusade against rough sleeping in 2019.

Now, Chances House is the latest expansion.

“Six years down the track, this fabulous facility and Chances Cafe and Op Shop is providing its services to around 50 clients a day, and what a service it is.”

Chances House includes a lounge area, sofas, stretcher beds and a television to provide a “daytime safeplace”, as well as two office areas where people can meet with caseworkers and find support.

The Australian Street Aid project has opened a "One Stop Shop" to help get Mackay's homeless back on their feet. Photo: Fergus Gregg

The building also hosts a hot breakfast every morning and provides free food in its break room throughout the day.

“When there is a need in our community, someone finds a way,” said councillor Alison Jones at the grand opening.

“Today is a reminder to our friends that we don’t give up and people like Kayleigh will always be around.”

Kayleigh, almost bashfully, took the centre stage after being introduced by Mr Williamson and Mrs Jones.

“Here at Chances House we welcome people experiencing homelessness with open arms,” Ms Brewster said.

“We see many new faces each week at Chances House, from the elderly, disabled or those forced to live in a vehicle while working full time.

“From 15 to 60 years old, homelessness does not discriminate.”

Each morning at Chances House, people from all walks can get a hot breakfast. Photo: Fergus Gregg

It is estimated by advocacy groups and council that there are currently over 70 visibly homeless in Mackay, with many more expected to be sleeping rough each night.

Ms Brewster expects that due to the cost-of-living and housing crisis, the number of homeless will rise, with “the most vulnerable in our society” being affected the worst unless “action is taken”.

“We never give up on a person, no matter how complex their needs might be,” Ms Brewster said resolutely.

“We hope to see a day when everyone has a safe home and everyone's needs are met.”

Presently Chances House is entirely funded by community support and receives no grants from state or federal levels of government.

“Anyone can present themselves here, there’s no referral needed,” Ms Brewster said.

“Kindness, empathy and compassion guide our operations.”