Homes for the vulnerable

Redland Community Centre - Homeless United
Heroic. Kind. Generous

Horowai Raneka has provided life-changing help to homeless people during his four years with Redland Community Centre.

He has helped over 200 people gain back independence and dignity through Homeless Connect and supported others to find employment.

Horowai started as a volunteer at the centre when he was sleeping rough himself, he would arrive for his shift from his tent to help others access clean clothes, a shower and laundry facilities and is now a paid employee and a role model for others facing homelessness, with many keeping in touch long after they have found a home.

He is proud his program gives vulnerable people a sense of belonging and raises awareness in the community that some people are just down on their luck and need help finding support.

Horowai’s greatest reward is seeing a homeless person smiling from ear to ear when they receive the keys to their own home.

He says he is honoured to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I am only a small part of a great team with the same passion for helping the less fortunate and vulnerable. I do it because I know what a wet blanket feels like and what it’s like to wonder where the next meal is coming from.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Redland Community Centre will use its funds to provide meals, crisis support and to help the homeless access Centrelink.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here