New Werribee Property Opens Doors for Young People

On Friday 8th March, MCM Housing has unveiled its latest achievement - a newly constructed property in Werribee, which a group of six young residents have now moved into!

The official opening event of this property, was attended by a range of individuals, including MCM Group staff, board members, and young people with lived experience of homelessness. Among the guests was Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas, who spoke on the importance of addressing the housing issues young people face.

A courageous young person who is one of the new residents shared their personal journey of resilience and triumph over homelessness, emphasising how life-changing having a secure place to call home can be.

Since 2021 MCM Housing has worked with young people and local communities to design, develop, and construct their first two properties. The Werribee youth housing project will provide much-needed housing and support for young people, 18 to 24 years old, experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This new accommodation will provide young renters who has experienced a history of unstable housing, a safe and secure place to live.

The property comprises six studio apartments and shared amenities such as a communal kitchen, living areas, and laundry facilities. What sets this housing model apart is its addition of comprehensive support services offered to the young residents through MCM’s Youth Housing Initiative (YHI). YHI will provide three interchangeable levels of housing and support for up to four years, allowing young people to more seamlessly and efficiently step up or down in support as they transition to independence. This includes supporting young people to develop skills and confidence for independent living, securing, and maintaining stable housing, and providing access to education, employment, and other MCM Group services.

Lisa Dalla-Zuanna, Executive Officer at MCM Housing said, “We recognise the opening of this property as a small but essential step toward ending the youth housing crisis. We are profoundly grateful to Homes Victoria and our generous donors whose support has made this initiative possible. As we celebrate this milestone, MCM Housing reaffirms its dedication to fostering inclusive communities where all young people have the opportunity to thrive.”