Hope Street is in the early stages of exploring the establishment of a new youth crisis accommodation centre in South Morang, in partnership with the City of Whittlesea Council.

Hope Street would run the proposed Whittlesea facility and associated 24-hour, seven day-a-week response service using the same model as the Hope Street First Response Youth Service in Melton and Hope Street First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Service in Melton.

Hope Street CEO, Donna Bennett told Star Weekly reporter, Laura Michell, that young people aged 16 to 25 are most at risk of experiencing homelessness in Whittlesea.  A shortage of affordable private rental or social housing, particularly in growth areas such as Whittlesea, means that young people often find themselves couch surfing at a friend’s place for a few nights, sleeping in vehicles, or in unsafe, improvised shelter.

"It’s distressing to know there are homeless people who can’t get the help they need in Whittlesea.  It’s important we look after our residents so they don’t have to travel to the city to access the services they need." -- Cr Alahna Desiato speaking with Paul Shapiro from the Whittlesea Leader

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Hope Street commends the Whittlesea Council for their strong support and determination in helping us to move closer to providing compassionate interventions for young people experiencing homelessness and associated disadvantage within their local community.

Photo Credit: Mihály Köles on Unsplash