For the cost of a coffee you can Buy-a-Brick for Christmas and help People living with a disability in Bundaberg.

$5 per brick can help change a life. You can make a donation and we will send an e-card from you. It’s simple! Go to our secure website and make a donation using Paypal or credit card.

In 2021, the Carinbundi Foundation built two homes (duplex) in Bundaberg where four people living with a disability call home! That’s thanks to the many people who have supported the Carinbundi Foundation.

Rental prices soar in Bundaberg

Rental prices have soared in Bundaberg over the last 18 months making it very difficult for People to find rental properties or purchase houses. People living with a disability often find it more difficult to find a rental property. They generally have to live off their Disability Support Pension which makes it even more difficult to afford to rent or buy. At Carinbundi we have been able to keep our properties at an affordable rate which ensures the residents are able to continue to have a quality of life. We want all People with a disability to enjoy social inclusion.

Homes for Life for People living with a disability

That is the vision of the Carinbundi Foundation. You can help us to achieve this by making a donation or buying a brick and we will send an e-card. Visit our secure website and pay by PayPal or Credit Card.

Affordable Rental

Even keeping rental pricing at $15 less than market rates can help People living with a disability enjoy a better quality of life. $15 could be lunch or dinner out at a club. It could mean additional phone data. What about going to the movies or going bowling. It could even mean owning a small pet. All of these things, so many of us take for granted.

You can make a difference and Buy-a-Brick for Christmas this year.

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Funding for housing is only provided to a small proportion of NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs who meet specific eligibility criteria.  This is known as SDA – Specialist Disability Accommodation.  (Refer to https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/housing-and-living-supports-and-services/housing/specialist-disability-accommodation).

The NDIS does not cover accommodation, rent or other day to day expenses, i.e. groceries, phone, etc – except under extreme circumstances.  These costs are the responsibility of the individual.  Some People living with a disability (PWD) may be entitled to Commonwealth Rent Assistance and disability support pension.

The NDIS does fund supports that will empower and enable People living with a disability to live as independently as possible.  These supports could include support workers to assist with shopping, accessing the community, personal hygiene and meal preparation.  

People living with a disability and mental health issues are among the most vulnerable in our community.  There is a significant risk that these people, without assistance, could face homelessness.  People living with a disability face barriers to finding suitable accommodation. Possible barriers could be lack of income, lack of affordable housing or lack of housing stock. Potential discrimination in the rental market could also be a barrier.

Our research shows that PWD want quality, affordable housing where they can be part of their community. They want to feel safe and secure and have the support they need to live a full and happy life. They want to be able to reach their full potential.   Families tell us they want peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and happy. 

The NDIS does not give People living with a disability a house. This is the reason the Carinbundi Foundation was established.

Quite simply – to build quality, affordable homes for People living with a disability in Bundaberg.

People with disabilities want much the same things we all want. This includes a comfortable place to call ‘home’. A place where they can be part of a small community and feel safe and secure.
They want to live a full and happy life, striving to reach their full potential.

Peace of mind for families

Our research tells us that families want to feel comfortable knowing their loved one is living in a safe environment where they can reach their full potential. This gives them peace of mind. Isn’t this what ALL families want?

People with a disability are often left vulnerable in the private rental market. This is because of affordability, or having to relocate after the sale of a property. In some cases, landlords don’t allow the necessary modifications to accommodate disabilities.

If the Carinbundi Foundation owns the properties, they can guarantee People with a disability will have a Home for Life. Such stability helps them flourish and be everything they can be. This security gives families the reassurance and peace of mind they need.

How can you help?

Easy. Make a donation. For as little as $5 you can buy-a-brick. You can also make monthly donations. You can be part of the solution for as little as the cost of a take-away coffee.

Imagine being part of a community where People living with a disability had their ‘forever home’ and could live with Dignity, Freedom, Safety & Independence.

Contact us if you would like any more information – 4158 9600.

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The Carinbundi Foundation received a surprise cash boost this Christmas of $2,500 thanks to Corteva Agriscience and Sunfam. This money will go towards forever homes for People living with a disability in Bundaberg.

“This surprise $2500 cash boost couldn’t have come at a better time with two new houses under construction. The $2500 will help buy window furnishings in the new houses,” said Debra Phillips, coordinator of the Carinbundi Foundation.

Local not-for-profit groups were nominated for the award by Sunfam staff members who live and work in these communities. The joint initiative between Sunfam and Corteva is part of a community support campaign giving 30 grants of $2,500 each to exceptional not-for-profit organisations across Australia.

Keli Loeskow from Sunfam, Bundaberg, said Corteva Agriscience and Sunfam were delighted to be gifting the Carinbundi Foundation $2,500.

“The Carinbundi Foundation is a registered charity in Bundaberg. They are not an investor or developer and they are building quality, affordable homes for People living with a disability. They depend on donations from the community to ensure People living with a disability can live their best life. That is why we nominated them for this grant,” she said.

Corteva Agriscience

Corteva Agriscience’s Australian Sales Director, Kirsty Ebert, said the company is committed to working with the communities they serve.

Carinbundi Foundation

We are expecting to have residents in the new homes early in the New Year. For more information on Carinbundi and current supported independent living homes, visit their website.

The generosity of Bundaberg residents and businesses has been overwhelming. It is such an amazing cause to be part of. For as little as $5, people and businesses are encouraged to support the Foundation through the Buy-a-Brick campaign.

Donations can be made through the secure website: https://www.carinbundifoundation.org.au/buyabrick/

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If we had 2000 people or businesses pledge $10 per month, that would raise $240,000 per year. WOW! This would enable the Carinbundi Foundation to continue building quality, affordable homes for life.

If we were to raise $240,000 per year, it would mean that People with a disability would have quality, affordable houses they could call home. By charging less rent, the residents could afford to go out for dinner, go to the movies, go 10 pin bowling or own a pet! Many of us take these things for granted.

Carinbundi Foundation is not a developer or an investor. We are a registered Australian charity. As a not-for-profit, our vision is to build homes that are affordable for People living with a disability on a Disability Support Pension.

With all donations going towards building disability homes for life in Bundaberg, you will be supporting locals. This is not just about People living with a disability. Your donation will help give jobs to local builders and tradies. It’s a WIN WIN situation – for just $10 per month.

Read about the difference we are making by visiting our website – https://www.carinbundifoundation.org.au/ You can make a donation via our secure website: https://www.carinbundifoundation.org.au/buyabrick/

Carinbundi is a disability support provider and has been supporting People with a disability in Bundaberg since 1994. Visit their website to learn more about the services provided https://www.carinbundi.com.au/

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“Access to adequate, safe, secure, accessible and affordable housing is a fundamental human right and one stipulated in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“People with disabilities experienced disadvantage across all housing indicators, and people with intellectual and psychological disabilities fared worst.” These findings suggest that there is a housing crisis for Australians with disabilities (Zoe Aitken, 2018)

Zoe Aitken (2018)

What difference can ‘Buying a $5 Brick’ make?

If everybody in Bundaberg (approximately 69,000 people) bought a $5 brick, the two new homes being built for People in Bundaberg living with a disability would be virtually mortgage-free!

What does that mean for residents?

Rent on these homes could be less than market value. Residents could have an extra $25+ per week in their pocket from their disability support pension (DSP).

These houses are NOT investment properties! The Carinbundi Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation with a mission of “Homes for Life for People living with a disability in Bundaberg”. Savings would always be passed onto the residents.

Money saved by residents on rent could go towards all sorts of things that many of us take for granted. For example:

Saving for a holiday or a week-end away, having a meal out, owning a pet, buying gifts for family members, having an extra game of ten-pin bowling, paying for internet or mobile phone, going to the movies and having popcorn! The list is endless!

What does this mean for our Community?

The majority of these savings would go back into our Community keeping people in jobs. This is so important, especially during these Covid-19 times when many small businesses are struggling to survive.

Having equity in these two new houses would enable the Carinbundi Foundation (a registered Australian charity) to look at other housing models to ensure that we continue to provide quality, affordable homes for People living with a disability in Bundaberg.

• Jobs for local builders and tradespeople
• Jobs for Support Workers
• Additional money circulating in our community keeping businesses alive and people in jobs.

You can help by supporting the Carinbundi Foundation as we build homes for life for People living with a disability in Bundaberg. https://www.carinbundifoundation.org.au/buyabrick/

Carinbundi has been providing disability support in Bundaberg since 1994. Services include:

• Disability Housing – Bundaberg (Supported Independent Living)
• Community Inclusion (Learning & Lifestyle)
• Respite
• Emergency Accommodation
• Short & Medium Term Accommodation

Ways you can help

Here are a few ideas but we would welcome your suggestions. Give us a call on 07 4158 9641.

• Donate via our website, http://carinbundifoundation.org.au
• Fundraise for us, eg. Golf Day, Cent Sale, Bike Ride, High Tea, Concert
• Corporate Partnership – We can develop a mutually beneficial partnership with your organisation.
• Birthday Pledge / Memorial Gift
• Donate goods & services (household items, gardening, cooking etc.)

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The Bundaberg community have also been very generous in helping us get this project off the ground through donations, our buy-a-brick campaigns as well as attending and supporting our fund-raising events! People can continue to support the Foundation and our vision of Homes for Life for People in Bundaberg living with a disability through our ongoing Buy-a-Brick campaign.

Homes for Life for People in Bundaberg living with a disability.

Below is the ‘Artist’s impression’ of what the two stand-alone properties will look like.

Our research tells us that People with disabilities want quality, affordable housing where they can be part of a small community, feel safe and secure and have the necessary support they need to live a full and happy life and reach their full potential.

A Place they can call “Home”

It is not just about providing houses for people living with a disability. It is much more than that!

We build houses that become homes where residents are free to be themselves, where they feel safe and secure and can share with like-minded friends. These houses will be their “forever homes”. As a not-for-profit we can offer homes at less than market rental rates giving residents additional money each week to go out and be part of their community.

We want inclusiveness to be affordable!

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“The Carinbundi Foundation is about to start building their first two houses for people living with a disability”, said Keli Loeskow, Chair of the Foundation.

“The buy-a-brick campaign commenced last year and we have had a really positive response from Bundaberg people as well as businesses.  Bundaberg people are very generous and I think they saw this as a way they could support local people. What better way than bricks and mortar?”

“It’s not just about bricks and mortar though.  It is about providing people with dignity, freedom, safety and independence,” said Keli. 

Housing is a basic human right

Housing is a basic human right and it is often a barrier for people with a disability, including those with a developmental or intellectual disability, to fully participating in their community.

“We like to support local organisations who are making a difference,” said Melita McIntyre, Depot Manager at Richers Bricks & Pavers.

Members of the North Bundaberg Lions Club are also well and truly behind the Carinbundi Foundation’s Buy-a-Brick campaign.

“A better place to live, work and grow.  That is what the Lions Club stands for and that is what the Carinbundi Foundation is all about as well.  Ensuring local Bundaberg people living with a disability have a place to live, work and grow,” said Charlie Sorenson from the North Bundaberg Lions Club.

“As a local service club, it is important for our members to support locals so we are really proud to be part of the new houses being built.  We want to shout-out to other local service clubs to get behind this local charity.”

“It feels good knowing that we are going to help provide a safe and secure home for somebody living with a disability.  It is also good to know that this will bring peace of mind to families knowing their loved ones are living in a safe and supported environment.”

“Invisible” disabilities

 “Often when the term “disability house” is used, people immediately think of wheel-chair specific or special disability accommodation.” 

“We shouldn’t overlook how difficult it can be for those living with an intellectual or ‘invisible’ disability to find quality, affordable homes.” said Keli.

Anybody can donate to the Carinbundi Foundation to help build quality, affordable houses for people living with a disability.  www.carinbundifoundation.org.au

For more information:  Contact – Debra Phillips, dphillips@carinbundi.com.au

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Supported Independent Living (SIL). The Carinbundi Foundation vision is for People living with a disability to have their forever home so I thought I would chat to Amber and get a greater understanding of what her life is like living in SIL.

“I am 25 years old and not getting any younger,” said Amber who is a natural-born comedian. 

When asked about Supported Independent Living, Amber said she had a lot of fun and liked the support workers and liked meeting the admin staff at Carinbundi as well. 

“I go out a lot and have made friends.  There’s always something happening like movies, bowling, going to Across the Waves.

We also do the grocery shopping together, share bills like phone, power and rent and I save money every week for holidays and things. Most of the cooking is done by me which I like doing.”

Amber attends a number of programs which have been designed to suit her individual needs and these include Body & Movement, Fishing & Camping as well as educational classes.

Covid-19 Lock Down

“I hated being in lock-down!  It was so boring.  I learnt to make bangles & bows with a friend,” she said.

“Mostly, I missed spending time with friends and seeing the office staff.”

A keen animal lover, Amber and her housemate have a dog, “Tinkerbell” which she described as a “crazy little unit”.  Amber has done an awesome job training “Tink” which is a real credit to her.

“I volunteer at the RSPCA.  I love it there.  I get to cuddle the animals but I also do the dirty work, too.  I do cleaning and make treat balls.”

“One day I’d like to work in a proper zoo.  Last time I visited Australia Zoo, I got to cuddle a koala which was awesome.” #AustraliaZoo

Amber and a friend are saving to take a short holiday once things settle down after the Covid-19 restrictions.

“We are going to the Gold Coast to visit Dream World and Sea World.  I am saving my money for this and am selling my bows & macramé bracelets for some spending money.  Bows are $3 for small, $7 for large and bangles are 3 for $5.”

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The Carinbundi Foundation is a registered charity with a vision of providing homes for people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities in the Bundaberg region.

It is not just about providing houses for people with disabilities – it is much more than that. We build houses that become homes where residents are free to be themselves. We want these houses to become their “forever homes”. As a not-for-profit we can offer homes at less than market rental rates. This gives residents additional money each week to go out and be part of their community. We want inclusiveness to be affordable.

These homes will be close to community amenities where residents can visit their local shops and become integral members of their community.

You can follow the links on our website www.carinbundifoundation.org.au to buy-a-brick.

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