✨ Short Intro

Even while homeless herself, Irene spends her days feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, and giving hope to those the world often overlooks. After a devastating fire destroyed almost everything she owned, Irene now needs our help to rebuild her life and finally find a safe place to call home.

Irene’s Story

Irene Schynol, 69 years old, from the Moreton Bay region of Queensland, has been without stable housing for the past four years. She currently sleeps in her car and eats at homeless shelters — yet she dedicates her life to serving others in the community.

Most people walk past those living on the streets — but not Irene. If someone gives her money for lunch, she will buy a roast chicken, salad, and rolls so she can feed many people instead of just herself. She gardens, cooks, sews, and supports others who are struggling. Every Monday she joins local homeless ministry teams to provide meals and encouragement. She also speaks at schools, churches, and groups to raise awareness, remove the stigma around homelessness, and help prevent violence.

Irene lives out the words of scripture:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you invited me in,

I needed clothes and you clothed me,

I was sick and you looked after me,

I was in prison and you came to visit me.” — Matthew 25:35–36

Despite her own hardships, Irene is a light in the darkness for many. But now Irene is the one who needs help.

The Fire That Took Everything

On 11 June 2025, a catastrophic fire tore through the Storage King facility in Burpengary, north of Brisbane. The blaze destroyed 188 storage units — about a third of the whole facility — and Irene’s was one of them.

Almost everything she owned went up in flames:

Precious family photographs, including irreplaceable pictures of her late adopted daughter

Personal papers, references, and credentials for future work

Manuscripts she had been writing for years

Garden tools and cooking equipment she used to feed others

Sewing machines and camping gear

Brand new sheets, linen, and clothing

Office equipment and household items purchased with inheritance money from her late sister

None of Irene’s belongings were insured — something nearly impossible for someone without a permanent address. She had been so close to securing permanent housing, but now faces the heartbreaking reality that even if she finds a place, she has nothing left to fill it with.

How Your Donation Will Help

Every donation will go directly towards helping Irene rebuild her life:

Replacing essential items (bed, bedding, kitchenware, furniture)

Replacing lost documents, references, and credentials

Clothing and personal care items

Tools, sewing, and cooking equipment to continue serving the homeless community

Costs towards securing safe, stable housing (bond, rent, moving expenses)

❤️ Why Irene Deserves Our Help

Irene has a heart bigger than her circumstances. Even in her homelessness, she has continued to give, to serve, and to love. She is a voice for the voiceless, a friend to the forgotten, and a beacon of kindness.

With our help, Irene can:

Secure a safe, stable home

Rebuild her life with dignity

Continue her mission of feeding and caring for those in need

Thank You

Thank you for reading Irene’s story. Whether you can donate, share this campaign, or leave a message of support, your kindness means the world.

Together, we can help Irene rebuild her life and finally give her the fresh start she so deeply deserves.