Who We Are

Sharehouse Youth Programs is a local not-for-profit, community based organisation in Townsville, North Queensland, that provides innovative programs for at-risk young people 16 to 25 years old.

Each year Sharehouse assists hundreds of young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to gain housing, stability, and independence. We recognise the individual circumstances of each young person and tailor our services and resources to their needs.

Sharehouse currently operates Immediate and Transitional Accommodation along with Mobile Outreach Support through funding from the Queensland Governments’ Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works.

For information about referring a young person or to seek help for yourself please contact us.

Our Beginnings

As a not-for-profit, non-government organisation, Sharehouse has been providing safe accommodation and support for at risk youth in Townsville since 1979. Originally set up by the Open Youth Project, Sharehouse started with a 5-bedroom house in Hermit Park as crisis care for homeless young people under 18 years of age. Since then Sharehouse has expanded and now operates from an office space on Ross River Road with 19 properties in Townsville.

Our Vision

Young people grow strength, inspiration and independence to confidently embark on their future life adventures.

Our Mission

We support young people on their journey towards independence including housing, employment and life skills.

Our Values

At Sharehouse we believe every young person can create their own path in life if they are provided the right opportunities and support.

As an organisation, we have strong core values and beliefs that guide the team in everything that we do.

Our values are:

  • 1

    Independence & Empowerment: We empower everyone to have a voice, be curious, and listen to others while being respectful. We support people to advocate for themselves and to understand they have a choice. We recognise and praise growth and overcoming challenges. We celebrate each other’s achievements.

  • 2

    Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We take ownership for adapting to the fast pace of our environment. We own our mistakes, actions and behavior and discuss them in an open and honest way. We hold each other accountable and communicate with each other in a clear and honest way. We lead by example.

  • 3

    Individuality & Celebration of Diversity: We recognise, respect and celebrate the individuality and uniqueness of all. We recognise, respect and celebrate all cultures and expressions of identity. We acknowledge and respect the importance and significance of different dates, events, ceremonies and practices We empower everyone to confidently express their individuality, uniqueness, strengths, values and beliefs.

  • 4

    Growth: We share information, knowledge and skills. We approach our work with a sense of curiosity, possibility and positivity. We take initiative and contribute to the team. We ask for help when we need it. We grow and develop with the changing needs of young people we work with.