Habitat Australia’s Brush with Kindness program supports disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our community through mobilising volunteers to refurbish, repair and refresh crises and transitional accommodation for people facing hardship, including those recovering from trauma, escaping domestic violence situations or at risk of homelessness. One of our long-standing and impactful partnerships has been with Rainbow Lodge, a residential support program dedicated to helping men transition back into the community after a period of incarceration.
A Partnership Rooted in Transformation
For the past four years, the Brush with Kindness program has provided vital support to Rainbow Lodge. Working closely with the team, our volunteers have painted the entire complex inside and out, revitalized the carport, fences, and pagoda, and even installed flooring in one of the rooms. On two separate occasions, we’ve worked side by side with Rainbow Lodge through NAIDOC week and been privileged to enhance their Yarning Circle, a culturally significant space that fosters healing through storytelling and connection.
Our efforts have enabled Rainbow Lodge to focus their financial resources where it’s needed most—on critical programs and staff support for their clients. Without this partnership, these improvements would not have been possible or would have come at the expense of vital services.
As Claude from Rainbow Lodge explains, “We simply do not have the financial capacity to undertake these projects ourselves. The work BWK has done gives our clients a more aesthetically positive environment, which in turn supports their emotional and mental well-being. This wouldn’t have been achievable without the generous contributions from Habitat for Humanity Australia.”
A Deeper Connection: Working Together with Purpose
Our collaboration with Rainbow Lodge goes beyond providing physical upgrades; it’s also about building strong, lasting relationships. Claude, the manager at Rainbow Lodge, describes our working relationship with Greg from the BWK team as “exceptional.” So much so, that Rainbow Lodge has recommended BWK to other community services, all of which have reported back with high praise for the professionalism and impact of our teams.
Days spent at Rainbow Lodge are always interactive and eye-opening for our volunteers. As a predominantly Indigenous organisation supporting First Nations residents, Rainbow Lodge provides an invaluable opportunity for our volunteers to learn firsthand about the challenges and stories of Australia’s First Peoples. Volunteers don’t just come to complete tasks—they leave with a deeper understanding of the importance of healing, reconciliation, and community support.
Claude, having personally experienced the transformative power of Rainbow Lodge’s program, often shares his own journey with our volunteers. His passion for expanding this partnership is palpable, and together, we hope to explore new avenues to deepen our impact, beyond the scope of Brush with Kindness.
Why the Work at Rainbow Lodge Matters
The work we’ve undertaken at Rainbow Lodge is more than just renovations—it’s about creating spaces where healing can take place. Rainbow Lodge supports men transitioning back into society through trauma-informed care, focusing on mental health, relapse prevention, and cultural programs for First Nations clients. Each client receives intensive case management, along with access to critical services such as psychological counseling, medical assessments, and life skills training.
Through this support, men are given the chance to heal, rebuild their lives, and eventually give back to their communities. The environment they live in plays a crucial role in this journey. A well-maintained and welcoming space, made possible through the Brush with Kindness program, can significantly enhance their self-esteem and mental outlook.
Join Us in Building Hope
We invite your organisation to partner with Habitat for Humanity Australia’s Brush with Kindness program. Your involvement can make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need—whether it’s through hands-on volunteer work or providing resources to sustain our efforts.
As we’ve seen through our partnership with Rainbow Lodge, this work goes beyond paint and repairs. It’s about creating environments where healing can take place, hope can grow, and lives can be transformed.
Interested in making an impact? Reach out to us to learn more about how your organisation can get involved with Brush with Kindness. Let’s create lasting change—together.