COMMUNITY · GOLD COAST
Gold Coast Program Helps At-Risk Young People Build Tiny Homes
Published · Updated · Cenlocal summary
A Gold Coast charity is teaching young people construction skills while they build tiny homes for people in need.
A Gold Coast charity is giving young people a practical path into work — and helping with housing at the same time — through a program where participants build tiny homes, as reported by ABC News.
About the program
The initiative is run by Everything Suarve (Esuarve), which works with people aged 16 to 24 who are disengaged from education and employment, or at risk of entering or returning to the youth justice system.
According to ABC News, the program began in 2023 in partnership with a local tiny home company. It runs for 10 weeks and leads to a Certificate I in Construction.
Wellbeing first, then the tools
The first two weeks focus on mental wellbeing and behavioural change. Participants then spend eight weeks finishing tiny homes that arrive with walls already standing — adding external cladding, then fitting flooring, cabinetry, kitchens, bathrooms and beds.
Results so far
The founder told ABC News that:
- 14 tiny homes have been built through the program
- eight are now used at a recovery village for people recovering from eating disorders on the Sunshine Coast
- around 360 young people have come through the organisation, with about 90 per cent going on to employment
These figures are as reported by the organisation. A Bond University criminologist quoted by ABC News said research supports construction-based vocational training as a way to help reduce reoffending.
Why it matters
The program links two local challenges — youth disengagement and housing — while helping address skills shortages in the building industry.
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Sources & Further Reading
This is an original Cenlocal summary. Cenlocal is not the original reporter; facts are attributed to the sources below.
