The rising cost of living and the lack of affordable housing has seen a growing number of people without a roof over their head. Uniting is working with the Victorian government and other community service organisations to provide practical support for people in crisis.
CHAnge project
Young people at risk in the Ballarat region are getting their lives back on track thanks to the CHAnge (Central Highlands Area nurture, grow, engage) program.
Through this program 16 to 23-year-olds at risk of homelessness can access stable housing. Dedicated youth workers provide advice on living independently, returning to education or finding stable jobs.
“We’re backing Ballarat youths and helping them turn their lives around by making sure they have the safety and security of a roof over their head,” Minister for Housing, Richard Wynne commented while visiting the project.
New homes in Bacchus Marsh
People with complex needs who may be sleeping rough in the Bacchus Marsh region now have access to stable accommodation.
Six new homes provide accommodation and tailored onsite support to meet the challenges faced by each person.
The houses are run by our Ballarat team in partnership with the state government, through its Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan.
These programs, and others like them, are possible thanks to your generous support.
Grampians youth find brighter futures
For over ten years, Karrung has offered housing and support to young people in the Grampians region.
Local youth are provided accommodation through the short stay program so they can focus on education, employment or training, while gaining the independent living skills they need to prevent homelessness.
For Bronte (pictured above), the program laid the foundation to build a brighter future.
Bronte moved into Karrung in March 2017 after escaping an abusive relationship.
Her two-year-old son, Noah, was cared for by Bronte’s mother while she got back on her feet.
“I was an empty shell when I arrived at Karrung. I didn’t know what I was doing with my life, because I didn’t have my son with me,” Bronte said.
“The team were amazing. They gave me more than just somewhere to live. They gave me support during a really tough time in my life.”
Bronte lived at Karrung for just over a year.
During that time, she secured employment to become financially independent and worked with the Department of Health and Human
Services to regain full care of Noah. With the help of the Karrung team, Bronte secured a rental property to provide a safe home for her and Noah.
Bronte is now happily engaged and a mother of two, with her daughter Matilda born last year.
These programs, and others like them, are possible thanks to your generous support.
