Community Assistance of Youths, Adults and Children opens second op shop in Kawana

A Sunshine Coast charity is calling for greater assistance from governments to ensure those most vulnerable aren’t left behind.

Sunshine Coast charity Community Assistance of Youths, Adults and Children has opened a second op shop to provide assistance to residents in need.

CAYAC chief executive officer Natalie Tynan said she had seen more people facing homelessness in the last 12 months than ever before.

“The homelessness on the coast has increased drastically with house rental costs rising,” she said.

“There are a great deal of families struggling financially as their income barely covers their rent and general living expenses.”

It comes as the Sunshine Coast Daily launches the Locked Out campaign in a bid to shed a light on its devastating impacts on the region.

CAYAC Op Shop opens a new charity store at Bokarina with fundraising going to homelessness. Pictured staff members, Tia Warren, Ashley Smith, Jesse Barnes and Karen Day. Picture: Patrick Woods

Ms Tynan said the charity, which assists people suffering from domestic violence and poverty, opened its second op shop in Kawana in August after there was a need to expand to a bigger site.

“We decided to open another store because we wanted to assist more people, and because we desperately needed a bigger sorting area and we figured if we could incorporate that into another store then it would be a win-win,” she said.

“We help people who have recently acquired housing after being homeless, people who are relocating due to domestic violence and many people who are starting over and making changes in their lives.”

Ms Tynan said there was always more to be done to help the homeless and urged governments of all levels to get involved.

“There are a lot of empty buildings which could be used as temporary homes for vulnerable people,” she said.

CAYAC Op Shop opens a new charity store at Bokarina with fundraising going to homelessness. Pictured staff members, Tia Warren, Ashley Smith, Jesse Barnes and Karen Day. Picture: Patrick Woods

“Even providing undercover car parks would be a help. Government housing availability needs to increase drastically to assist the hundreds who are homeless on the coast.”

As the charity works to help those experiencing hardship, Ms Tynan said addressing mental health was also a high concern among the homeless community.

“I am really concerned about the issue of mental health in the community,” she said.

“Many of those suffering homelessness need urgent care and assistance with their mental health and wellbeing. I worry that it’s not being fully addressed.”

Ms Tynan said the op shop was always looking for volunteers.

For more information, visit CAYAC Charity Stop on Facebook or call 040 122 6100.