LIVING pressures will be eased inWarrnambool through a new $4.2 million project that more than doubles the availability of low-cost housing for young adults.
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The former Log Cabin Motel on Raglan Parade is being converted into 20 new independent living units, as part of a major strategy to prevent homelessness and ease housing stress.
Built with funding from the state and federal government, the $4.2 million project is being overseen by several local agencies.
Brophy Family and Youth Services will have staff on site around-the-clock. Chief executive officer Francis Broekman said the new units would complement existing emergency and short term accommodation.
“Warrnambool has been chosen for this project because of the high number of young adults facing the threat of homelessness and the very limited number of options currently available,” Mr Broekman said yesterday.
The Affordable Housing Project will be based on the successful Youth Foyer model of accommodation from Europe that offers a range of supports and life skills to young adults.
The young adults living in the units will be supported to take up study, training and work opportunities.
They will develop the life skills that will assist their journey towards independence, Mr Broekman said.
It will be a two-storey development.
There will be a mix of one and two-bedroom individual units.
The site will have one point of entry and feature a communal lounge, kitchen and games areas that will be supervised.
It will be open to approved people 16 to 25 years old and it is expected they will live there for up to two years.
“All participants will sign on to a living skills program and be involved in education or training opportunities,” Mr Broekman said.
“They will be provided with support services by Brophy and encouraged to be involved with community groups.
It is part of a strategy to engage young adults and support them to a bright future.” It is expected the prominent site will be ready for use by July 2012 and 10 staff will be employed recurrently to operate the facility.
Brophy has entered into a partnership with Barwon Youth, Westvic Staffing Solutions, South West TAFE, South West Local Learning & Employment Network, Deakin University and Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative for the project.
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