Nearly 1000 homes across Logan have been transformed into safe, fully-furnished sanctuaries for families escaping domestic violence thanks to the work of Friends with Dignity.
The not-for-profit organisation, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is based in Meadowbrook and supports victims and survivors of domestic violence across the south-east of Queensland.
The charity’s fundraising and community engagements manager, Tracey Wickham, said the organisation focused on practical support to help families rebuild their lives.
“What we do is provide practical programs to support victims and survivors of domestic violence – adults and children,” Ms Wickham said.
One of Friends with Dignity’s key initiatives is furnishing homes for individuals and families leaving refuge accommodation.
“When someone leaves refuge, the caseworker contacts us and lets us know who’s moving in – maybe a mum and two children, their ages, and what sort of home it is,” she said.
“We then go in and fully furnish that home – dining table, lounge, TV, beds, toys for the kids, and brand new appliances like a washing machine and fridge.”
Ms Wickham said the homes were set up so families can walk in and immediately feel safe and settled.
“The beds are made, there’s spare linen in the cupboards, toys on the beds for the kids, and pantry items for the adults,” she said.
“Everything in that home is theirs forever. It’s a gift from the community.”
Friends with Dignity relies on a mix of donated and new items, accepting only high-quality pre-loved goods.
“We only take things you would give to a friend,” Ms Wickham said.
The organisation is due to complete its 955th sanctuary home in Logan next week, with the region representing its busiest area of operation nationally.
At Christmas, the support extends beyond housing.
This year, Friends with Dignity partnered with the Logan Lightning Football Club, which donated the use of its clubrooms for six days to collect and sort Christmas gifts for impacted children.
The Christmas drive supported 12 local services, which now have the job of distributing the Lego, skateboards, soccer balls and other gifts.
She said Christmas was a time when the Logan community consistently rallied to support those in need.
“People really want to give back,” she said. “And seeing that come together like this – it’s incredibly moving.”
