The 139 Club is a day centre for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We are a place to call home for many of Brisbane's most vulnerable people. We recognise that homelessness is a complex issue with many causes. Domestic violence, a shortage of affordable housing, unemployment, mental illness, family breakdown and drug and alcohol abuse all contribute to the level of homelessness in inner city Brisbane. Homelessness can and does happen to anyone, including people on high salaries with corporate jobs, self-funded retirees and young people fleeing difficult family situations. The exit from homelessness is not a fast one. The road home takes time, support and tenacity.
139 Club is a Company Limited by Guarantee, established in 1975. We are a tax deductable gift recipient.
We have five main functions:
- Case management and support to prevent and alleviate homelessness - we work directly with clients to facilitate their access to affordable housing and to manage and stabilise issues relating to drug and alcohol use, mental illness, financial management and budgeting, life skills, literacy and numeracy, job readiness and social skills. Case management happens in the centre and in the community.
- Targeted family support for families with children at risk of Child Safety intervention. We work with these families to improve parenting skills, life skills, manage illness and issues with behaviour, find secure income sources and appropriate housing.
- A home for those without one. This includes provision of:
- Free and low cost meals
- Day beds for people who have had a rough night on the streets
- Warm showers and personal hygiene products
- Laundry facilities including washing powder
- Lockers for personal belongings
- Recreational/resting areas where people can mix, watch TV or a movie
- Mail and message collection
- Clothes, underwear and shoes
- Connection to services. We have a broad range of visiting services including:
a. Centrelink
b. A nurse and doctor
c. Legal clinic
d. Allied health services (chiropractor, acupuncturist, bowen therapist, physiotherapist, counsellor, podiatrist)
e. Mental Health services
- Social inclusion - we run a range of activities to alleviate boredom, build life skills and improve social connections.