Boost Program
Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country
A short-term program helping young people stabilise and access safe accommodation.
The BOOST program provides an integrated, strengths-based response for young people and young families aged 16–25 with medium to high support needs, aiming to divert them from the homelessness service system. The program offers short-term accommodation of up to seven nights through a dedicated Short Stay bed at the Brunswick West refuge and also provides intensive outreach case management for up to three months. Using a multidisciplinary, client-centred approach, the program addresses immediate crises, emerging and complex needs, and supports young people to access tailored services, including mental health, substance use, education, employment, and cultural supports.
Through strengths-based, therapeutic, and solution-focused practice, BOOST fosters resilience, interdependence, and social connection, while building capacity across the wider service system and working in partnership with stakeholders to provide timely, holistic support. The program specifically targets young people and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including those from CALD backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, recent refugees, young parents, LGBTQIA+ youth, and those experiencing mental health, substance use, or family disconnection challenges.
First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Program
Waduwurrong/ Bunurong/ Wurundjeri Country
First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Program
Hope Street’s First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Service in Melton provides assertive outreach and intensive short-term crisis support to young people and young families aged 16–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Melton and neighbouring LGAs. Operating 6 days a week, the service supports young people through assessment, planning, and referral, connecting them to crisis and longer-term accommodation, health services, education and employment pathways, legal and financial assistance, and emergency relief such as food, material aid, or medication.
The program uses a youth-focused, strengths-based approach to provide short-term case management, brokerage support, and referrals to ongoing specialist services. The service aims to reduce homelessness, facilitate rapid rehousing, strengthen personal support networks, and build social capital in the Melton community. It also focuses on early intervention and prevention of long-term homelessness, responding to emerging and complex needs, and supporting safe family reunification, where appropriate. The service benefits young people by helping them secure safe and stable housing, access essential supports, strengthen their personal, cultural and social networks, build confidence and independence, and engage in education, employment, and community activities.
The program also reduces the risk of chronic homelessness, diverts young people from the Youth Justice and Out-of-Home Care System, supporting young people’s overall wellbeing and successful transition to longer-term stability.
