The escalating need to support the growing homeless fraternity across the 4551 has turned volunteering for Rosies Caloundra chapter into the equivalent of a full-time job.

In just two nights each week, volunteers have contributed 3,079 hours, assisting 2,628 patrons – averaging seven people per day and putting in the equivalent of a full eight-hour workday every day for the past year.

The Sunshine Coast branch has been serving the Caloundra community since 2000 with a team of 104 volunteers outreaching on Tuesday and Friday nights at Felicity Park, Bulcock Street from 7.30pm, and the first and third Saturday of each month at Happy Valley Park, Esplanade Bulcock Beach, from 6pm.

And the demand for their services is growing at an exponential rate as struggling families grapple with the cost-of-living crisis and lack of affordable housing.

Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) statistics at the close of 2024 revealed a rental vacancy rate of just 1 per cent across the Sunshine Coast, with Caloundra and Gympie in the tightest spot at just 0.5 per cent.

That means just 0.5 per cent of properties across the 4551 postcode are available for rent, and with the median house price just shy of $1 million at $932,500, it paints a grim picture for those struggling to keep a roof over their head.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said a healthy vacancy rate sat between 2.6 per cent to 3.5 per cent.

“And that’s virtually unheard of at the moment in Queensland,” Ms Mercorella said.

“We are not painting a picture of good health in our state when it comes to balancing rental demand with supply, and we know competition is particularly intensified at the highly sought after, more affordable end of the market.

“Tight vacancy rates indicate that there’s not enough rental properties coming up for rent, possibly due to tightly held leases which are being renewed at the end of the agreement rather than being returned to the market.”

Local mother Jess has struggled with homelessness since fleeing domestic violence in Western Australia while 32 weeks pregnant with 10-year-old daughter Shanae.

“It was a difficult decision to make, I had to leave my family and my boys but if I didn’t leave, I would have lost her (Shanae),” Jess said.

“I’m all by myself which can be very hard especially being a single mum.”

For the last two years Jess and Shanae have travelled over 40 minutes twice a week to experience connection and friendship at Rosies in Caloundra.

“We like to come for the social interaction and Shanae likes to help the volunteers set up – they are all so friendly,” Jess said.

Jess first learned about Rosies through a weekly community meal in Caloundra and decided to drop by and see what it was all about.

“It’s been good to have somewhere to go to receive help and just have someone to chat to,” Jess said.

“In December I started working part-time at a cafe in Maroochydore as a barista and kitchen hand, it’s the first job I’ve had since Shanae was born.

“I really enjoy it, and Shanae likes coming to Rosies – the people we have met, the friends we have made, they are like family.”

Jess is working with the court system to resume contact with her two sons, now aged 14 and 15.

“It’s a long process, WA has its own legal system, and the rules are a bit different, but Legal Aid is helping me and I’m aiming to get photos or Skype or FaceTime with them,” Jess said.

Where to get help across the 4551

Those experiencing housing insecurity can access Amenity Passes for free showers between 10am-3pm at the Caloundra Aquatic Centre at Central Park Road, Caloundra.

Amenity Passes available at various community centres, libraries and outreach services or by contacting [email protected] for more information.

Emergency food relief services are available at Gateway Care at 11 Helen Street, Caloundra West.

Emergency housing relief for families and singles in financial distress can be accessed via the Caloundra chapter of St Vincent De Paul by phoning 5438 9660, at the Caloundra Community Centre at 58A Queen Street and Caloundra House Supported Accommodation at 1 Marlua Avenue, Moffat Beach.

Assistance for seniors at risk of homelessness or currently homeless can be found at Care and Housing for the Aged at Currimundi Marketplace, Currimundi or by phoning 1800 692 273.

Those wishing to support Jess and Shanae and others in the community in a similar position can donate to Rosies via www.rosies.org.au/donations/