Call for more Bendigo-made emergency housing

A NOT-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing youth homelessness has called on the State Government to fund 300 pop up studios to be manufactured by Ortech Industries in Golden Square.

The charity, Kids Under Cover, already houses nearly 1000 young people in 660 studios.

They’re installed in the backyards of youth at risk and are made from Durra Panel, which is known for its superior acoustic and thermal insulation properties, fire resistance and durability.

The manufacturing process is waterless and chemical-free, resulting in a product that is 100 per cent recyclable and biodegradable.

Kids Under Cover CEO Stephen Nash said the studios solve critical issues that drive young people to leave home before they’re ready, stopping homelessness at its source.

“Our studios also provide extra space to increase (the) capacity of foster and kinship carers to support children to stay in their community, near friends and school,” he said.

Mr Nash claimed that Victoria’s current approach to homelessness is “fundamentally broken.”

“The system is focused on the symptoms, not the cause.

“These children are vulnerable through no fault of their own – and without intervention they’re unlikely to continue their education.

“Intervention needs to move upstream, so we can turn off the tap and reduce homelessness overall. We have an opportunity to stop (it) before it starts.

“We’re calling on the government to rethink how it spends in this space and stop homelessness at the source.

“Otherwise we’re simply pouring good money after bad and homeless numbers will keep increasing.”