NIGHT Ninjas Inc, the Redlands’ volunteer-led outreach service, is seeing demand for its support double over the past two years as housing stress and financial hardship ripple across the community.
Individuals, couples, and families are increasingly seeking help for the first time, highlighting how the housing crisis is touching everyday lives beyond those experiencing long-term homelessness.
“More people are asking for help than ever before,” said Jason Wornham, President of Night Ninjas.
“We’re seeing families and workers suddenly facing rental insecurity or temporary displacement.
“This isn’t just affecting a small group — it’s being felt across the community.”
The organisation has responded by maintaining and expanding its services, including regular night feeds, breakfast programs, and daytime outreach for those doing it tough.
Local support has been critical: volunteers continue to step up, donations of food and essential items flow in from residents and businesses, and community groups regularly assist in on-the-ground efforts.
A major boost came last year from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, which allowed Night Ninjas to purchase an additional outreach van.
The vehicle has significantly expanded capacity, enabling volunteers to transport more supplies and reach more locations across the Redlands.
“Practical support like this makes a real difference,” Wornham said.
“It allows a small, volunteer-run organisation like ours to scale up safely and respond consistently as demand grows.”
The experience of Night Ninjas mirrors broader trends revealed in a recent survey by Everybody’s Home.
More than 70 frontline organisations across Australia reported rising workloads, increasingly complex cases, and growing risk of staff burnout.
Nearly half said the crisis is threatening their ability to operate, and seven in 10 highlighted stress among staff as a growing concern.
Despite the pressures, Wornham emphasises the importance of grassroots services in early intervention.
“Recognising and supporting volunteer-driven organisations is critical,” he said.
“We often meet people at an early stage, helping stabilise their situation before it escalates into long-term crisis.”
As the Redlands community rallies around the organisation, Night Ninjas remains focused on collaboration, working with other local services, volunteers, and supporters to meet immediate needs while strengthening resilience.
“The collective effort of our volunteers and the community is what allows us to keep showing up, night after night,” Wornham said.
Frontline services are calling for increased investment in public and community housing, stronger renter protections, and targeted support to ensure people are not left without safe, affordable homes.
“Without decisive action, more people will need help, more workers will burn out, and the crisis will worsen,” said Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize.
