We all need to be grateful for what we have. It is a sad fact that so many people in Brisbane do not have the things they need to live life to the fullest. We’re not talking about the latest video game systems or the latest pair of brand name shoes. There are so many people around you, perhaps kids that your child sits with at the lunch table at school or even the man down the street, who do not have the essentials like food, electricity, water or even a place to call home. Homelessness is a major concern in Brisbane. Let’s take a look at some of the horrifying, but true, facts about homelessness in Brisbane.
- Around 40% of all senior citizens in Australia live in poverty
- Around 12% of all other Australia residents live in poverty
- Brisbane has one of the highest numbers of homeless persons in Australia
- An estimated 110,000 homeless people sleep on the streets of Australia each night.
There are many organisations dedicated to ending homelessness. While some people see it as a simple task, there are actually many barriers and factors that contribute to homeless that must be addressed for differences to be made. These organizations include those related to domestic violence issues, employment and more. These organisations cannot do it alone, however, and they depend on the help and support of people in the community to help them offer their services and make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
Best Charities to Donate To
You can make a difference in homelessness in Brisbane. You might think that you have nothing large enough to make a difference, but that is far from the case, and even a small donation, whether of money, time or goods, goes so far to help other people.
There are a number of charities in Brisbane and beyond that will be happy to accept your donation to help their cause. A number of them pertain to the homelessness issue in the area. Donating to one of these shelters can help change the way things are currently going, and every penny counts.
Other charities help in other ways. Take the Goodwill, for example. This non-profit organisation assist disabled men and women find and keep employment as well as assists those with employment barriers find and sustain employment. Goodwill donations such as clothing, household items, electronics, toys, etc. are sold in their many thrift stores, with profits going to assist these programs.
Another one of the good charities to donate to is Sheltered by Grace. This organization assists homeless persons in the Brisbane area, with services ranging from a shelter to counselling and employment assistance. Sheltered by Grace accepts monetary donations of any amount, and they’re all tax deductible. In addition, this shelter also accepts donations of items to use in the shelter, household items, clothing, shoes and more.
Perhaps you want to do something different with your money. That is perfectly fine, and there are also a number of organisations that can make this happen. The Lost Dogs’ Home is not based in Brisbane, however, the Victoria and New South wales locations are both wonderful places for donations by those who love animals. What is The Lost Dogs Home? This non-profit animal shelter is one for homeless and lost dogs. This organization has been in operation since 1910, and in addition to the shelter, they also offer adoption services, the National Pet Register and promotion of responsible pet ownership.
Tax Deductible Donations in Brisbane
If you make a donation to one of the organisations listed above, or any of the other great donation sites, you might be able to claim that donation on your taxes at the end of the year. Both money and physical donations can be deducted, if your donation is made to an appropriate organization and a tax donation receipt is obtained. Organizations that allow for tax deductions are called Deductible Gift Recipients (DGR.) The organisations listed above are all eligible for tax deductions, so be sure that you do not forget to ask for a receipt!
If you make a monetary donation, you can deduct the total dollar amount of the gift. If you make a physical donation of goods, there are a few rules in place that you will need to understand to ensure that you are able to claim credit.
Charities to Donate to – The Bottom Line
It makes you feel warm and tingly inside to know that you have made a difference in the lives of the people that surround you each day. While it is impossible to know every personal story, you can know that you’ve touched someone, somewhere with your gift. The issue of homelessness is one hitting far too close to home, and it takes the community coming together and getting involved to make a difference. Your donation helps, whether you want to make a one-time donation or something every month. And, if you are unable to donate money, there are still so many other fantastic ways that you can make a difference.
There are many amazing organizations that do so very much for the community. We have listed a few of those above. Whether you make your donation to one of these organizations or one of the others is a decision that you will need to make. But, at the end of the day, no matter which organisation is chosen, you will go to bed knowing you are an amazing person who has helped in a tremendous way.