From the Minister for Housing

Thursday, 14 May 2009

A brand new facility for young homeless people, that will not only provide a home, but support and mentoring to help tenants get back on their feet, opened its doors on Hoddle Street in Collingwood today.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the Brumby Government had contributed $4.4 million to the project, run by Ladder, a joint venture between the AFL Players’ Association and the AFL Foundation.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to support Victorians in need because we believe everybody deserves a decent, affordable place to live,” Mr Wynne said.

“The 2009 State Budget provided $104.8 million over four years for homelessness and housing initiatives because we are committed to reducing youth homelessness and cutting the numbers of those at risk of homelessness.

“Ladder is based on the highly regarded Foyer initiative, which has provided support and mentoring to homeless young people world-wide.”

Mr Wynne said the new building would house tenants in 21 self-contained apartments, 12 of whom will be taking part in Ladder, with case management provided by Melbourne Citymission.

Facilities to support the young people living there include internet access, social areas, a rooftop garden, office space, a seminar room and communal laundry. The remaining nine tenants will be young people in need of affordable rental housing. The Commonwealth Government has also allocated $80,000 to the mentoring program.

“The program will provide housing, support, employment and education activities and mentoring services, with AFL players and elite female athletes taking some of the young people under their wing,” Mr Wynne said.

Yarra Community Housing, who will own and manage the facility, is one of Victoria’s eight registered housing associations working to grow Victoria’s supply of affordable housing. This will be the first Yarra Community Housing building that will exclusively house tenants under 25 years of age.

”The Brumby Government is working with all levels of government as well as the not-for-profit, corporate and sporting sectors to reduce homelessness Victoria wide,” Mr Wynne said.

“Today we are welcoming young people into their new homes and introducing them to the services and supports that will help them build skills to meet the challenges of the future.”