The Andrews Labor Government will build more than 130 new homes for young people across Victoria to address youth homelessness and make sure more young Victorians have access to the support they need.
Minister for Housing Colin Brooks today visited the Melbourne City Mission youth refuge in Werribee to announce a $50 million investment and see first-hand how having a roof over their head has transformed young people’s lives.
The investment will be shared between eight registered housing providers and community service organisations to build ten new housing projects across the state.
Melbourne City Mission will build two new projects in Werribee – and other successful providers include the Salvos, Kids Under Cover, Beyond Housing, Mallee Accommodation and Support and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
Regional Victorian communities will also see new houses built – including Wangaratta, Wodonga, Shepparton (Mooroopna), Bairnsdale, Mildura, Reservoir, South Morang and Frankston.
More than 16 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Victoria are aged between 15 to 24 – and these vital projects will ensure young people have the safety and security of a home to help them grow and develop.
The homes will deliver a range of housing options including youth foyers that integrate housing with education, employment and other support services, or youth supported accommodation and projects focused on young Victorians leaving out of home care.
All the homes will be in highly accessible locations in walking distance of education, employment, public transport, retail and community services and feature energy efficient design to help renters keep their bills low.
The funding is part of the Labor Government’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build. Through the Big Housing Build and other major programs, the Government is delivering more than 12,000 social and affordable new homes while creating up to 10,000 jobs every year over four years.
As stated by Minister for Housing Colin Brooks
“We are addressing youth homelessness and this investment ensures that commitment continues and helps to give young people a place to call home.
“These new homes will ensure more homes are available for young people to give them the support they need to thrive as adults.”
“The stability of having a roof over their head will support these young people to learn and develop, setting them up for success in rest of their lives.”
