A Place Where You Belong
If you’re an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young person, we want you to know that you are welcome here.
We recognise and respect the strength, resilience, cultures, and stories of First Nations peoples. We understand that connection to family, Community, Country, culture, and identity is important, and we are committed to creating spaces where you feel safe, respected, and supported.
Hope Street’s vision for reconciliation is one where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, their children, along with their families, and communities are empowered to maintain and strengthen their connection to Country, culture, and community. Hope Street’s services are located on five different Aboriginal Countries across Naarm/Melbourne:
- Wurundjeri/Willam and Wurundjeri balug and Taungurung – First Response Youth Service in Whittlesea, Youth Reconciliation Program
- Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung – Hope Street in Whittlesea
- Waduwurrong/ Bunurong/ Wurundjeri Country – First Response Youth Service in Melton
- Bunurong and Wadawurrung Country – Hope Street in Melton
- Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country/Brunswick West – Youth Residential Brunswick West, Boost Program, Youth Support Service, Youth Reconciliation Program, Hope Street Head Office
First Nations young people are overrepresented and sadly are 8x more like to experience homelessness. At Hope Street, approximately 9% of the young people and young families we support are Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander.
In addition to access to all Hope Street programs, we have a dedicated First Nations family unit within one of our programs, providing a culturally safe and welcoming place for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
When you enter one of our services, you’ll receive a welcome kit designed by First Nations people. These kits include practical items and resources, while also celebrating culture, identity, and connection.
Your rights matter. We are committed to ensuring that all young people are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We want you to feel heard, included, and supported to make decisions about your life and your future.
Our staff will work alongside you to support your goals, wellbeing, and strengths. If you’d like support to connect with family, Community, culture, Elders, or other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, we’ll help you explore those opportunities.
We are always learning and listening so we can continue to improve our services and provide culturally safe and inclusive support.
This is a place where your culture is valued, your voice is important, and you are welcome.
