A Sunshine Coast charity is taking support directly to people experiencing hardship, as rising living costs and housing pressures push more residents into unstable living situations.
The !n Crowd, a locally based organisation, has launched a mobile outreach initiative known as Community on Wheels, operating from its bus: Big Sal.
The service is designed to reach people where they are, including parks, caravan parks and other locations across the region.
Founder and director Kurt Payne says the program was designed to address a critical gap in service delivery.
“Creating a mobile outreach model like Community on Wheels was important to us because we wanted to do something different: something that genuinely meets people where they are and fills a gap where people are being missed,” he says.
Kurt says access is a major challenge in the region.
“Public transport is limited, and many individuals and families who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness are often pushed into more rural or outer areas, away from the main hubs where most support services are located,” he says.“On top of that, many are living with mental health challenges, navigating stigma and carrying a level of shame that can make reaching out even harder.
“When you combine that with limited or no income, even getting to a service can feel impossible. What this creates is not a lack of need, but a lack of access.”
Community on Wheels was designed to break down those barriers.
“Instead of expecting people to come to services, we bring support directly to them,” Kurt says.
“By doing so, we remove many traditional obstacles. Our model is intentionally low barrier, with minimal criteria to access support.
“Ultimately, it’s about dignity, accessibility and creating a space where people feel seen, supported and safe enough to take the next step forward.”
The service provides food, clothing, toiletries and essential items, along with conversation and connection.
From there, people can be linked to longer-term support, including housing, counselling, family services and employment pathways.
The initiative comes as more local residents face housing insecurity, with some sleeping rough, living in cars or moving between temporary arrangements. Supported by businesses, partners and the community, the program reflects growing demand for accessible, community-based support.
