Mission Australia Opens New Youth Housing Dandenong

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Young people leaving out-of-home care can now access secure and affordable housing in Melbourne with the opening of Mission Australia’s Willow House in Dandenong.

The five apartments at Willow House will be home to 10 young people aged 18-21 who are being supported in their transition from out-of-home care to independence by Mission Australia’s Better Futures program.

With many young people becoming homeless once leaving out-of-home care due to the unaffordability of private rentals and Australia’s housing emergency, Mission Australia has purchased these units to ensure that young people the charity assists have access to affordable, safe and secure housing. The project was made possible thanks to a partnership between Mission Australia and a generous donor.

Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister expressed her excitement about the completion of Willow House.

“Willow House will be a transformative place for every young person who lives here. With a safe and secure home and support from our Better Futures team, they will have all the tools they need to work towards independent living and a brighter future as they move into adulthood.

“The purpose of Willow House is to equip young people with the life skills they need to eventually thrive in the next stage of their journey in the private rental market or affordable housing. They’ll learn many new skills including how to live with others in a shared space, create and manage a budget, and handle their bills.

“The impact of a having a stable and secure home is profound. One young resident who has already moved into Willow House shared that living there has significantly improved their mental health and provided them with the opportunity to grow and heal after a childhood in the foster care system that involved frequent moves.

“Willow House is a new chapter for Mission Australia in Victoria and just one of the many exciting initiatives emerging from our Dandenong office. We are committed to strengthening our ties within the local community and expanding our support to more Victorians in need.”

About the Better Futures program:

Better Futures is a support model designed to better prepare young people in their transition from out-of-home care to independence. In partnership with the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Mission Australia delivers Better Futures in the Southern Melbourne and Bayside Peninsula Areas.

Flexible and tailored supports can be accessed by young people up until their 21st birthday to strengthen their independent living skills and empower them to achieve their full potential.