Coffee Van Charity Second Shot Espresso has received a funding boost after the next round of funding from the Palaszczuk Government’s Dignity First Fund was recently announced.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said Second Shot Espresso, established by James Christie and Mick Keelty AO, had been awarded $179,315 in round 2 of the $2.5 million fund which was established in 2016 to support projects that help people experiencing homelessness to live with dignity.
“Finding and keeping a job is part of becoming independent and self-sufficient, and it’s the foundation for securing and maintaining accommodation, but finding a job is tough when you don’t have a stable home – it’s a catch 22.” Mr de Brenni commented “That’s what’s so great about Second Shot – by providing jobs and training young people to become baristas, young people who are experiencing homelessness can build up skills and work experience that support steady employment. Second Shot will also work with potential employers to secure permanent paid employment to staff after six months’ employment with Second Shot Espresso”
Second Shot Espresso CEO James Christie said the charity has initially teamed up with a large local building company to operate close to their large building sites before expanding across greater Brisbane. “We really appreciate the support provided by the State Government that has helped turned our vision into reality,” Mr. Christie commented “We have just started training our first group of young people, who are already demonstrating their passion and pride from being involved with Second Shot. We are aiming to be on the roads by early November and look forward to serving our first coffee and connecting with the community.”

Former AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty, who is a director of Board of Second Shot Pty Ltd said it is an opportunity for young people to reset their self-worth in a constructive and positive environment.
“By investing in the project, the government has helped us attract some high quality supporters such as Hutchinson Builders, Pauls Milk, BOQ and Westpoint VW.” Mr. Keelty commented “I am pleased to be a part of this creative idea of James Christie’s, and can already see the difference it’s making to the young people involved so far. It is both humbling and exciting to be with so many people who are not looking for handouts – just some dignity and responsibility that comes with a real job.”