About Us…

Location & Open Hours

We currently operate our homelessness services from Chances House at 2 Endeavour Street, Mackay.

We are currently open: Monday - Friday, 7am to 1pm (except Thursdays when we close at 10.30am)

Our Programs & Services

All of our services are walk-in and do not require a referral or appointment. Simply present during our open hours.

» Meal Service «
We operate Mackay's only daily homelessness meal service. We offer breakfast and lunch (Monday to Friday) alongside weekend packs.

» Drop-in Lounge «
We operate Mackay's only homelessness drop-in centre ‘Chances House’ at 2 Endeavour Street, Mackay. Chances House is open 7am to 1pm, Monday to Friday (7am to 10.30am Thursday due to training). Our clinical and professional services are delivered from within Chances House. It is a place where people experiencing homelessness can access resources such as phone charging facilities, storage lockers, internet, printing, telephone, toilets, music/art activities, tea & coffee station and more. (Showers coming soon!) We welcome co-locating services such as Centrelink, Into-jobs, Sexual Health, St Vincent De Paul Wellness Centre and more to utilise the space and connect with service users to offer assistance. This space also gives people a safe and inclusive place to 'be' while our compassionate staff and volunteers offer conversation, support, guidance and more.  

» Case Management (Journey Coordination) «

Journey Coordination is a case management program that helps people find the support they need at a pace which they are comfortable. Through assessment and referrals, practical support, advocacy and some direct brokerage provision, Journey Coordination assists vulnerable people to identify and address barriers and ultimately reach their goals and access better support.

By working closely with our clients, our Journey Coordinator helps to:

1. Identify Needs: Understand what the person needs help with, like healthcare, housing, or job support. Determine if there are any barriers to accessing relevant support.

2. Create a Plan: Develop a plan tailored to the person’s barriers and goals.

3. Connect to Services: Address barriers where possible. Help the person access suitable resources such as housing, financial aid/brokerage, crisis accommodation, AOD, disability, aged care or mental health support.

4. Monitor Progress: Check in regularly with services and the client to see how things are going and adjust the plan as needed.

» Homelessness Healthcare «
Through our onsite walk-in Health Clinic, Registered Nurse and Care Zen Virtual Health Pod (GP), we assist people with a range of health needs, from wound care to mental health and aged care assessments. Our RN also helps people to access relevant healthcare services such as medical, dental, ophthalmology and more.

» Essential Items «
Through donated goods, we are able to offer a wide range of essential items to help make life on the streets a little easier. Subject to availability, we offer tents, sleeping bags, insect spray, personal care items, torches, clothing, shoes, first aid supplies and more.

» Night Bus «
Chances Night Bus provides safe overnight crisis accommodation every Friday night. Located on Wood Street, directly behind the CQ University building, guests can check in from 8.00pm to 9.30pm for a safe night of rest in an individual pod. Each pod has a single bed, light, a/c, camp toilet and USB charging facility. Guests can choose to leave at any time but are not able to return that night if they choose to do so. Well behaved, toilet trained pets are welcomed.