Goodna Street Life

Goodna Street Life is an independent, self-funded registered charity providing housing, support, and essential services for people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability in our community. Established in 2015 by a group of dedicated locals, our mission began with the simple goal of creating a safe local shelter — and has since grown into a diverse range of life-changing programs.

Today, we provide housing assistance and tenancy support, drug and alcohol (AOD) programs, domestic violence and crisis support, counselling, creative art therapy, training and skills programs, and community events. Our Helens Haven Motel continues to provide crisis accommodation in a supportive environment, helping people overcome barriers and transition into long-term housing.

Alongside these services, we operate our popular Op Shop and Community Foodbank, with our new Haven Takeaway and Meal Services opening soon to provide even more accessible support.

Because we receive no ongoing government funding, everything we do is made possible through fundraising, donations, social enterprise, and the generosity of our community. Every dollar raised goes directly towards providing safe shelter, meals, and practical support for those who need it most.

Why are they homeless?

The causes of homelessness are varied and complex. Our service follows the Housing First approach, which prioritises permanent and stable housing for people experiencing homelessness. The guiding principle of Housing First is that safe and secure housing should be quickly provided prior to, and not conditional upon, addressing other health and well-being issues.

► Accommodation issues housing crisis, inadequate or inappropriate dwellings	34%
► Financial Difficulties housing stress, unemployment	25%
► Domestic violence and relationship issues time out from family, family breakdown, violence and assault	24%
► Transition/Discrimination transition from care/ custody, lack of support, discrimination	13%
► Health mental health issues, substance abuse issues	3%

"The development of Housing First in Australia has been constrained by the lack of appropriate affordable housing stock necessary to quickly house those experiencing homelessness. To date, Housing First projects have run as pilot programs or with time limited funding, rather than as part of a government supported approach to addressing homelessness. Nevertheless, results from these initial projects have have promising. An evaluation of the MISHA project by Mission Australia from 2010—2013, which used a Housing First approach, found that after two years 97% of clients were still living in secure housing; and the associated cost savings to government equated to $8,002 per person per year."

Source: The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)

Help for the Homeless

Goodna Street Life provides a broad range of services to assist people based on their individual needs.

Housing

Crisis and transitional, and help with social housing, and private rental applications.

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Recovery

Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation, counselling and support services.

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Training and Employment

Back to Work programs, employment support and skills training.

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Foodbank & Amenities

Foodbank, free and discounted groceries, hygiene packs, clothing, furniture and material aid.

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Op Shop

Our homelessness services are funded by the generous community donations to our Op Shop at the Goodna Marketplace, shop 7, 5 Smiths Rd Goodna. We have huge range of items including:

Clothing
Manchester
Bric'a'brac
Furniture
Electronics
And so much more!

You can also make purchases through our online store with all proceeds supporting the homeless and vulnerable people in our community.

Shop Online Donate

Trading Hours

Mon - Sat 9am to 4.30pm

Donations accepted during business hours, for after hours donations, please contact the shop for more info.

07 3818 9417

The Haven Takeaway & Foodbank

9 Layard St Goodna QLD 4300

Trading Hours

Mon - Wed 9am to 4pm,
Thur - Fri 9am - 8pm,
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Donations accepted during business hours, for after hours donations, please contact the shop for more info.

07 3818 9417

Haven Foodbank

Our foodbank is located at Helens Haven, and can provide free bread, fruit and veg daily, discounted groceries and payment options.

Support agencies can pre purchase Haven Gift Cards to support clients in need. Speak to our friendly staff for more information.

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Mental Health First Aid

Practical skills for real-world situations

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) equips people with the skills to recognise the signs of mental health distress, respond appropriately, and connect individuals with the right supports early.

This nationally recognised program is developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia .

Goodna Street Life provides free MHFA training for volunteers and workers in the homelessness and community support sector, and affordable MHFA training for businesses and community members.

No upcoming MHFA sessions are currently scheduled. Please check back soon.

Why MHFA Matters

Many people experience mental health challenges long before they access professional help. MHFA empowers everyday people to notice early warning signs, have safer conversations, and support others without overstepping their role.

For people working or volunteering on the frontline — including homelessness, community services, health, and support roles — these skills can reduce risk, prevent escalation, and improve outcomes for individuals and families.

Our MHFA training is practical, trauma-informed, and grounded in real frontline experience. No prior mental health training is required.

Minimum 5 / Maximum 12 participants per session. Group booking discounts available.

This Mental Health First Aid program is proudly delivered with support from the TRACC Grants Program, which funds community-led initiatives that strengthen resilience in communities impacted by disaster, drought, and other crises.

TRACC-funded programs focus on building strong community networks, improving mental health literacy, and encouraging safe and timely help-seeking behaviours — particularly in communities experiencing increased stress, uncertainty, or hardship.

Through this funding, Goodna Street Life is able to offer free MHFA training for volunteers and workers in the homelessness and community support sector, alongside affordable training options for businesses and community members.

Creative Art Therapy

A safe space to create, reflect, and heal

Session Details

Wednesdays at 11:00am
8/5 Smiths Rd, Goodna QLD

Cost

$35 per session
Booking essential

Book a Session

Creative Art Therapy

Our Creative Art Therapy sessions offer a gentle, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and build connection through creative expression. No artistic experience is needed — just a willingness to show up as you are.

These sessions are particularly supportive for people experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma, or social isolation, and are facilitated in a way that is inclusive, trauma-informed, and non-judgemental.

Art can help express what words sometimes can’t. This is a space to slow down, connect with yourself, and be supported by others in a calm and respectful environment.

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Programming & Developing

Learn by building real tools for real community impact

We’re launching a hands-on, non-accredited training program in Python, Object Oriented Programming, website design, and app development.

Open to everyone

Beginners welcome — participants learn while contributing to live upgrades of online resources for charities and community groups.

Student Registration

Build Tech That Helps People

This program grows practical IT skills while strengthening the digital infrastructure of the community services sector. Participants work on real projects that directly improve how charities support people.

Community organisations are encouraged to register with Goodna Street Life to access our professional online systems — heavily discounted for the community services sector.

Our systems and services include:

• Client management systems (CMS)
• Supported housing & accommodation systems
• Volunteer & staff training platforms
• Rostering and shift management
• Geofencing for timesheets and staff attendance
• Point of sale (POS) systems
• Real estate & property management software
• Budgeting, KPI tracking, reporting & compliance tools
• AI-driven automation and analytics

Our goal is to deliver modern, easy-to-use, AI-powered tools that improve efficiency, support staff and volunteers with little to no technical background, strengthen compliance, and empower the sector as a whole.

GSL Realty

Ethical property management and tenancy support

GSL Realty is expanding our rental portfolio and is actively seeking properties to support stable, ethical housing outcomes across our community.

Our Rental Guarantees

• 4-week rental guarantee
• Small maintenance & repair guarantees
• Discounted maintenance and renovations

Enquire About Management

Property Management & Tenancy Support

GSL Realty delivers professional property and residential services management alongside practical, hands-on tenancy support. Our model is designed to protect property owners while supporting tenants to build the skills and stability needed for long-term housing success.

Support for tenants includes:

• Assistance with rental applications and documentation
• Support with private rental applications and government subsidies
• Tenancy skills education (property care, communication, obligations)
• Ongoing tenancy support to help maintain stable housing
• Connection to government and non-government support services
• Tenant advocacy for eviction risk or tenancy disputes

For property owners, this approach reduces risk, improves tenancy outcomes, and supports consistent rental income through stronger, more sustainable tenancies.

Boarding House & Residential Services Management

We also offer a complete management solution for property owners looking to rent by the room or transition from general tenancies to rooming accommodation.

• Setup and compliance support
• Fire safety and building compliance
• Policies, procedures, and state registration
• Property upgrades and renovations
• Specialist management to maximise room-based returns

List Your Property Tenant Support & Advocacy

Helping the Homeless with housing, health and living