When Jessica Goebel was just 12 years old her mother passed away from cancer, triggering a series of further life-changing events.

The eldest of four children, Jessica found herself attempting to raise three younger siblings – one of whom was only two years old – as well as try to support her alcoholic father.

“I fell in to a horrible hole of despair and two years after Mum died I just couldn’t cope with the adversity of life at home so I decided to leave home at 14 years old,” Jessica said.

“I was uneducated and had no support, but living anywhere but home was a better option,” she said.

Jessica was homeless for more than two years and only after meeting a supportive role model was her life able to turn around

“Eventually I was able to make a difference in my life because one caring person took an interest me,” Jessica said.

“Sometimes it only takes one person or one profound comment to get through to a child living without hope,” she said.

Through strength and sheer determination, Jessica threw herself back in to study and today is a successful entrepreneur who owns three businesses – one of which, Issie-Mae, was responsible for the interior design of The House The Coast Built.

Proceeds from the auction of the House and all furniture, art work and home wares up also up for auction, will be spent by Wishlist on paediatric needs on the Sunshine Coast, including SCKoping Camps that help support children living in a home environment affected by mental illness or drug and alcohol abuse.

“I feel incredibly privileged that I get the chance to directly support a cause that is so close to my heart,” Jessica said.

“Not every child who is living a similar childhood to the one I experienced will be a success story, so it’s up to the whole community to help provide the support that so many youth desperately seek,” she said.

Jessica is also the Founder of ‘creARTive cuddlies’, a business that turns children’s artwork and photos in to 3D cuddly keepsakes, which donated proceeds from it’s the House The Coast Built Street Party stall back to Wishlist.

“All of the suppliers to The House the Coast Built and the Street Party keep getting thanked, but really I’m thankful for the opportunity to give back – it’s quite cathartic for me and I truly believe that we can make a difference.”