On 24 February 2017, the first meeting of the Hope Street in Whittlesea's Advisory Committee was held at the Office of Lily D'Ambrosio MP, in partnership with a broad range of organisations. The advisory group provides guidance in supporting young people in our Hope to Home in Whittlesea pilot program.

Late last year Hope Street welcomed the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation's commitment to our new pilot program. As one of their 2016 Innovation Grant Recipients, Hope Street is able to support young people and young families as they transition into a place they can call home that is affordable, sustainable and long-term. The Foundation has a strong focus on being part of a community wide response to addressing homelessness through their support of innovative early intervention projects and affordable housing initiatives.

"…giving people a stable home is the first step in getting out of homelessness. From a stable base education and employment becomes more possible and if required other support services can be 'wrapped around'." -- Catherine Brown, LMCF CEO, Tackling Homelessness

The City of Whittlesea is currently experiencing one of the fastest population growths in Victoria, with an increased incidence of youth homelessness. Hope to Home in Whittlesea, which is based upon our successful Hope to Home in Melton pilot program, aims to prevent young people (18 - 25 years of age) from entering/re-entering homelessness and to provide a base from which they can re-establish their lives and pursue their aspirations. The program will assist up to 30 young people who have been homeless and experienced family violence and who, having reached relative stability through existing Hope Street and other partner agencies programs, are likely to succeed in private rental accommodation, given initial support.

In partnership with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, businesses and other community stakeholders, the Hope to Home in Whittlesea pilot program will help to address the barriers contributing to homelessness in the City of Whittlesea, with more open and inclusive access to existing community life resources such as housing, employment, education, and social and wellbeing programs.

Ray White Thomastown in conjunction with Hope Street and the Whittlesea community will be working together to develop real rental housing opportunities for young people.  Key local businesses will work with Hope to Home to provide training and employment where available. This will ensure that young people have the means to sustain their rental property beyond the life of the program.

Become a key part of the solution

Please contact us if you would like to become a partner and support at risk young people and young families.