The striking patch of purple on the iconic orange building at 9 Bulcock Street is more than a fresh coat of paint; it marks a new chapter for Roofs to Recovery in their fight against homelessness.

Established in 2021, Roofs to Recovery was built from a network of church communities with a vision to support women over 55 experiencing, or at risk, of homelessness.

President John Nicol and his team are now searching for the perfect plot of land to build a transitional housing village with a promised $2 million from the LNP due to drop into the charity’s accounts next month.

While they wait, they’ve opened the R2R Bazaar – a community op shop providing affordable goods and raising funds to support their mission.

“Before the state election the outgoing housing minister promised us $2 million for our village if the party was re-elected,” Mr Nicol said.

“We are awaiting to hear when we will get the funds while we are looking for land in the right spot.

“We have approval for six residences plus a support worker and community building”

Roofs to Recovery chose to focus on the “over 55 and female” segment of the homeless community after studies showed it was the fastest growing demographic facing housing insecurity.

“These women have often escaped violence and been out of the workforce raising children with no finances of their own or superannuation,” Mr Nichol said.

“They are a particularly vulnerable demographic as they often hide their struggles and feel they have no one to turn to or trust.”

The R2R Bazaar opened on Wednesday 8 January, with a bumper first few days of trade.

“We have been so heartened by the people who have come in, some to say they are not sure they like the purple colour of the building, but we have replied with, well, at least we got your attention,” Mr Nichol said.

“We have had donations flowing in thick and fast and great feedback from the community that our prices are low, which is what we are aiming for.

“The proceeds of this venture will all go towards us building our village and we hope, eventually, the residents of the village might volunteer to work here to keep it going.”

A series of serendipitous events have marked Roofs to Recovery’s journey so far, which the retired Presbyterian minister might call a sign from above that he’s on the right path.

R2R Bazaar itself was an idea born from the estate left to the Presbyterian church by Brisbane parishioner “Shirley” whose home was filled to the brim with wares that have stocked the shelves of the shop.

“She had so much stuff and most of it was brand new – we only used a quarter of it to fill the shop to open,” Mr Nichol said.

“She had little notes in the house on things that she was leaving them for refugees and had wanted her home to become a home for abandoned children, but the government closed those sorts of homes down 30 years ago.

“We have plans to name the village after her, somehow, in honour of Shirley.”