Carinbundi Foundation is set to build long-term disability housing and is calling on residents to make them the homes the community built, with the launch of Buy a Brick.
For just $5 per brick, foundation coordinator Debra Phillips is encouraging the entire community to support the fundraising campaign whether it’s with one brick or a pallet full.
“It’s not only buying a brick it’s a gift to somebody with a disability,” Debra said.
“This is a very exciting time for the foundation as we see our vision of ‘disability homes for life’ coming to fruition.
“Having a home for life brings dignity, freedom, safety and independence.”
Two duplex style homes are being built following a large bequest that was left to Carinbundi, which is when the foundation was launched.
Debra said community donations to assist the project could make the world of difference.
“That will mean we have more assets to purchase more houses.
“It will mean we can charge less rent, giving the household and individuals a little bit more money for other activities.
“A weekend away – the things we take for granted.
“It’s actually allowing them to have an ordinary life.
“If we can make their pension stretch that little bit further we should be able to improve their quality of life.”
Carinbundi Buy a Brick campaign to offer homes for life
Carinbundi currently offers care in 19 homes that are rented throughout the region.
“That’s the hard bit. The house gets sold and they have to move.”
Debra’s goal through the Carinbundi Foundation Buy a Brick campaign is to see 30,000 bricks donated per home at a value of $150,000.
“If I can sell 30,000 bricks per home that’s only one third of Bundaberg people buying one brick.
“It is for our community as well. Schools can do a bake sale, individuals can buy just one brick.
“Whatever people can afford.”
Debra said after months of planning she was excited to see the project moving forward.
“It’s actually bringing our vision to life.
“In the bigger scheme of things people with disabilities are at much greater risk of homelessness than any other group of people.”
The foundation is in the final stages of purchasing a block of land for the two homes.
Debra said the homes would be designed as duplexes with up to five people with disabilities to make it their permanent home.
“What that enables is they have a group of friends, they’ve got that support.
“There is a good chance that most of these people will never be able to live independently through no fault of their own.
“It’s so important that we can transition them in to independent living.”
To buy a brick head to Carinbundi’s Buy a Brick website.
Another opportunity to support the foundation is coming up in the form of a Charity Golf Day on October 6. For more details to become a player or sponsor head to the website.