Prayers answered: Homeless youth to rebuild lives at ‘The Old Church’

The former church has been re-purposed for accommodation for young people.

Homeless Sunshine Coast youth will get a roof over their heads and expert support after the formal opening of ‘The Old Church’  at Nambour.

The Integrated Youth and Family Service (IFYS) refurbished the former meetinghouse complex of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in response to inadequate accommodation options across the region for young people trying to transition away from homelessness.

Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien and IFYS Managing Director Tony Pignata open the facility. 

The Old Church includes 21 rooms each with a full bathroom ensuite, split-system air-conditioner, new paint and carpet and a window.

IFYS operates a six-bed crisis facility for young people in need on the Sunshine Coast, and a further five beds in Caboolture, so The Old Church dramatically increases the available support to those in need.

“In bringing back the church, we will offer 21 safe and secure beds to young people aged 16 to 24 across the Sunshine Coast,” IFYS Managing Director Tony Pignata said. “We know that if you don’t have a safe place to sleep, you can’t address education issues, you can’t address mental health, you can’t address physical health - it’s just not possible,” he explained.

“The model will be supported 24/7 by staff, and will have a focus on education and employment and social interactions for those young people.

“They may stay for as brief a period as three months or perhaps two years until they can establish themselves in housing and some independent life skills, which to you and I might be incredible, but it’ll be things like washing their sheets, washing their clothes, having some idea of nutrition and to be able to cook for themselves.”

The facility was opened on June 29 by Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien MP.

“Many people came to this very facility over the years to offer prayers, and, in the future, young people will come to this same facility to have their prayers answered, and I think that’s pretty special,” Mr O’Brien said at the opening.

 “We know there are many reasons why children and young people experience homelessness – mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence at home, and sometime it’s simply a financial matter,” said Mr Pignata. “The Old Church today is a living example of what is possible when a community pulls together.”