## ✨ 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, secure safe, reliable transport, and finally find a place to call home.

## Irene's Story

Irene Schynol, 70 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 community 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 faced the heartbreaking reality that even if she found a place, she had nothing left to fill it with.

Today, there is hope. Irene has been approved for a housing program and has also been offered the opportunity to undertake paid work. This opportunity will provide additional income and help strengthen her rental applications as she works towards stable housing.

Sadly, another obstacle has emerged. The car Irene has been living in has developed serious mechanical problems. While the long-term repair options are still being assessed, without safe and reliable transport she risks losing access to work opportunities, housing appointments, community services and the homeless outreach she faithfully volunteers with each week.

## How Your Donation Will Help

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

* Securing safe, reliable transport while she remains without permanent housing.

* Replacing essential household items such as a bed, bedding, kitchenware and furniture.

* Replacing lost documents, references and personal belongings.

* Purchasing clothing and personal care items.

* Replacing the tools, sewing and cooking equipment she uses to continue serving others.

* Assisting with the costs of securing safe, stable housing, including bond, rent and moving expenses.

## ❤️ Why Irene Deserves Our Help

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

With our help, Irene can:

* Secure safe, reliable transport.

* Accept paid work and continue rebuilding her independence.

* 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 overcome this latest setback and continue the journey towards a safe home, renewed independence and the fresh start she so deeply deserves.