Townhouses a safe haven for youths

FOR sixteen to twenty-four year olds that could be on the streets, five two-bedroom townhouses in Mount Pleasant are giving them a home.

Built by the State government under their Accommodation for Homeless program, the contemporary, solar powered houses are currently accommodating seven people, part of the ‘Central Highlands Area nurture, grow, engage’ project.

CHAnge is a partnership between the state, Uniting Church, Uniting Housing Australia, Uniting Tas Vic, SalvoConnect Western, Ballarat Community Health, Cafs and Berry Street, and Minister for Housing Richard Wynne said it’s the sort of project that is a government “hallmark.

“We know the work we’re putting in here is fundamental to changing people’s lives,” he said.

“This wonderful partnership is about providing safe, affordable and secure housing and then ensuring that we have the wrap-around services in place to support people in their tenancy as well.

“When this work is brought together, people can, and do get better, and go on to lead really productive lives.”

CEO of Uniting Housing Australia, Ian Brain said the five homes are a “bold experiment” for Ballarat, but one that will have significant, positive outcomes.

“When you have a focus from a stable base, you give an individual the confidence to move on for themselves,” he said.

“What’s needed is stabilised and secure housing, and then support for the elements they need to get on with their lives, which may be employment training, or dealing with issues in their past life like domestic violence.”

Mr Brain said the program’s intense support nurtures an individual for around six months before finding ongoing housing or returning people to their former home if it’s stable.