Hannah Hammoud
Whittlesea will welcome a new youth project to provide housing and support for young people who are at risk of, or are experiencing homelessness.
The state government has invested $5.06 million through the Youth Housing Capital Grants program to build a First Response Youth Service in South Morang.
The project is in partnership with Hope Street Youth and Family Services and Whittlesea council and will include 12 bedrooms, including a family unit, emergency accommodation as well as assertive mobile outreach and intensive, holistic wrap-around case management.
Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks with a timeline of completion by mid-2024.
On the eve of Youth Homelessness Matters Day, Housing Minister Colin Brooks joined Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio to mark the beginning of the investment toward youth housing and support.
“We know how critical it is to have a roof over your head when you’re in your teen years, that’s why we’re supporting our young adults in Whittlesea and elsewhere with this vital program,” Mr Brooks said.
The $50 million Youth Housing Capital Grants will fund more than 130 new homes for young people across Victoria to tackle youth homelessness and ensure young Victorians have access to accommodation and support.
The funding has been shared between eight registered housing providers or community service organisations and will deliver 10 new housing projects across Victoria.
The other projects that will be located across Victoria include: Werribee, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Shepparton, Bairnsdale, Mildura, Reservoir, and Frankston.
With more than 16 per cent of Victorians aged 15 to 24 experiencing homelessness, these projects are aimed at ensuring young people across Victoria have the safety and security of a home to help them grow and develop.
