Cade Lucas
Young people at risk of homelessness in Wyndham now have a better chance of keeping a roof over their heads.
The newly completed Werribee youth housing project in Glenluss Street is now open, providing supported accommodation for young people aged 18 to 24 for up to four years.
The $1.7 million facility includes six new studio apartments with access to a shared kitchen, living spaces and laundry.
The Werribee project will be managed by Melbourne City Mission who will provide tenancy management and onsite support services in areas such as education and employment,
primarily focused on young people leaving out of home care.
Melbourne City Mission Executive Officer for Housing, Lisa Dalla-Zuanna, said facilities like the one in Glenluss Street were an essential part of combating youth homelessness.
“Melbourne City Mission recognises the opening of this property as a small but essential step toward ending the youth housing crisis and the transformative impact on the lives of the young residents,” said Ms Dalla-Zuanna at it’s official opening on Friday March 8.
“We are grateful to the Victoria Government whose support has made this initiative possible as we reaffirm our dedication to fostering inclusive communities for all young people.”
The Werribee Youth Housing project, was funded through the state government’s $50 million youth housing capital grants program.
Melbourne City Mission joins the likes of The Salvation Army, Kids Under Cover, Beyond Housing, Mallee Accommodation and Support,
Hope Street and Jesuit Social Services in receiving grants from the program to build and run youth housing facilities.
Housing minister Harriet Shing said she was pleased to have the Werribee youth housing project and Melbourne City Mission on board.
“Supported independent living can have a life-changing impact on young people, which is why we are
proud to deliver safe and secure social housing in partnership with Melbourne City Mission.”
Werribee MP and state treasurer, Tim Pallas, was present at the launch and said the new facility would make a difference straight away.
“Housing for young Victorians is needed now more than ever – this project is a commitment to creating
brighter futures for those at risk of homelessness and giving them the stability to thrive.”
According to data released last year by the Australian Urban Observatory and based on mandatory questionnaires filled out when a person accesses a specialist homelessness service, Wyndham had 3502 homeless people, the third highest amount among local government areas in Melbourne.
