Published May 2025
3rd Space identifies systematic homelessness issues and aims to help homeless people get a better life and be responsibly housed.
Allison Wicks, CEO of 3rd Space, said: “When I say responsibly housed, I mean a homeless person sometimes can be housed between five to seven times in their lifetime.”
“Is it a housing problem, or is it a systemic societal issue because there is not enough support for people that are housed?” she said.
She explained that the problem of homelessness sometimes involves a high level of domestic violence, substance abuse and gambling, as well as mental health issues.
“You see people lifted off the street, put into a house, and then revert back to homelessness because they don’t fully understand what their obligations and rights are,” Ms Wicks said.
“So there needs to be more support, education and preparedness on behalf of organisations.
“We have a family support program, a whole team of developmental coaches and well-being coaches who connect services to doctors, nurses, mental health practitioners, rehab, and so on,” she said.
She says it is up to the people to decide what they want, but 3rd Space will try to provide everything needed for a sustainable, healthier future with in-house support and external referrals.
Ms Wicks recalled that one of the rough sleepers they helped was a Papua New Guinean woman named Regina, who fled to Australia from domestic and family violence.
“She’s gone through a massive health journey and homeless journey. I think she’s been with us through all of our programs, and we were able to house her quickly,” she said.
For the next step, Ms Wicks says they are looking into partnering with the government and real-estate developers to provide temporary accommodations for rough sleepers while giving them wraparound support.
“We have been discussing with the state government in the last seven years about the Ivory Street precinct that was going to be services down below and accommodation on top.
“We are also looking at bringing counselling, financial literacy and financial counselling into this space,” she said.
To help 3rd Space, Ms Wicks encouraged people to share their stories and donate money or preloved goods.
“We go through about 300 litres of milk and 60kg of oats a month for our most popular free porridge, and we’re desperately trying to get that sponsored in some way.
“If you would like to sponsor that program or at least become a regular donor for any amount, we would love that,” Ms Wicks said.
For more information or to donate, visit the website at 3rdspace.org.au and follow on Instagram and Facebook @3rdspacebrisbane.
