Long-Term Community Housing
Affordable, secure homes for individuals and families across Townsville.
About This Program
Yumba-Meta’s Long-Term Community Housing offers stable accommodation for individuals and families who are unable to access the private rental market.
Managing over 156 tenancies, the program enables residents to live independently, safely, and with dignity.
Tenants receive culturally sensitive tenancy support, along with referrals to appropriate services. The program is grounded in the belief that secure housing is essential for long-term wellbeing, economic stability, and personal development.
Key Features
Want to Refer Someone or Apply?
If you’re seeking stable housing or supporting someone who is, contact our team to discuss eligibility and availability.
Naomi Cross
Long-term Housing Resident
Naomi Cross
Long-term Housing Resident
“Through Dale Parker, you meet good people who go out of their way to help others.”
Fletcher Christian Daisy
Long-Term Housing Resident
Fletcher Christian Daisy
Long-Term Housing Resident
Fletcher Christian Daisy ‘The Second’ is actually a first-rate example of the type of outcomes YML achieves in partnership with their clients.
When Fletcher walks into a room he brings a brand of humour that’s all his own.
Grinning broadly, he proclaims (rather than announces) his name;
“I am Fletcher Christian Daisy, The Second! Named after Fletcher Christian from Mutiny on the Bounty.”
Fletcher has lived in many places over the years and was employed in a variety of stable positions including Shalom Christian College, the Townsville City Council Dump and Recycling program, Bunnings and Never Fail Water.
“My marriage broke up, and I was in a bad place. I went as far as you can go. I was homeless for nearly four months, living in the park. I slept through the pouring rain with thunder and lightning. I think I was one of the worst, under the Victoria Street Bridge, drinking goon.”
Despite linking with a number of community-based organisations, none seemed able to help him transition back to stability.
In November of 2010, Fletcher received a referral to Dale Parker Place where he was a client for over nine years.
Asked about how YML had improved his future, Fletcher bowed his head, humbled.
Tears fell freely as he explained; “Dale Parker gave me back my life. My independence, my security.”
“It’s not just a place to stay, but a program. I learnt about budgeting and paying bills. And we got to be social again. We’d go out fishing on a Friday, and on a Tuesday? Well, we’d visit the 7th Day Adventists. We’d start with an opening prayer and then share in vegetarian food! I never knew you could make Shepherd’s Pie out of lentils and potato..!”
“Through Dale Parker, you meet good people who go out of their way to help others.”
These days Fletcher manages his own tenancy; “I’ve been living in my own unit for two years now. I’ve made good neighbours and good friends. I’m right where I want to be.”
Asked if he still receives assistance from a case manager, Fletcher flashes his trademark grin, “I’m the case manager now. I case manage myself!”
“Bottom line is this; Dale Parker is a really good institution for homeless people. They lead by being an example. Being an example is the way through it.”
