BUILDING FOUNDATIONS TO PREVENT YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

Kids Under Cover takes a unique and innovative early intervention approach to youth homelessness that begins with the provision of stable and secure accommodation.

We install relocatable, one or two-bedroom studios in the backyard of a family or carer’s home. Our Studio Program helps relieve overcrowding, eases tension and provides young people with a safe and stable home environment.

We’re proud of our strong history working alongside Aboriginal communities, families, and young people, in partnership with leading Aboriginal organisations and community leaders.

At the heart of our work is our Studio Program. One-or two-bedroom studios – with bathroom, are built in the backyard of a family or carer’s home. This provides secure and stable accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness. We are the only not-for-profit organisation in Australia delivering the unique combination of studio accommodation and education scholarships as a practical and proven strategy in preventing youth homelessness. It is Kids Under Cover’s mission to provide young people at risk of homelessness the foundations to strengthen their connection to family, community, and education.

A first-of-its-kind, Village 21 is a scaled-up, co-located version of Kids Under Cover’s existing Studio Program. Located in Preston, it provides studios for six young people, giving them a stable home, wrap around supports and communal living elements for up to three years.

Delivered in partnership with Anglicare Victoria, Village 21 was designed to interrupt the spiral of young people leaving care often find themselves on. It has been reported that 35% of young people leaving OOHC at 18 end up homeless in the first year. Village 21 was developed in response to the unique needs of this cohort.

Education is one of the most important investments a country can make in its young people and its future, and is critical to reducing poverty and inequality. At an individual level, it has a significant positive impact on a young person’s confidence, self-esteem and employment prospects.

Kids Under Cover’s strategy of complementing the provision of stable and secure accommodation with educational support has proven to be a simple yet effective approach to the long-term prevention of youth homelessness.

Kids Under Cover ambassador Sarah Davies (right)
awards the scholarship named in her honour.

OUR PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

Kids Under Cover’s partnership program enables our partners (corporate, philanthropic and individuals) to support a range of our programs, depending on their business or personal objectives. These programs may be:

  • general, for partners who wish to support Kids Under Cover’s vision and mission;
  • service delivery based (Studio or Scholarship Programs); or
  • fundraising-based (eg Run Melbourne, Donate Your Car ® or Cubby House Challenge).

Each program has its own tiered levels of support. For more information, or to discuss potential partnerships please email us or call on (03) 9429 7444.

corporate partner volunteers
Pharmore staff took part in a studio corporate build

Our Impact

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3200

+ Young people supported

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2203

Scholarships awarded

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60

Studios built this year

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649

Studios on the ground in Australia

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Corporate & Business Partnerships

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Corporate Build Program

Are you a business that wants to make a difference? Build your team while building a better future for young people at risk of homelessness For partners

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South Australia

Kids Under Cover to begin preventing youth homelessness in South Australia. It was today announced that Kids Under Cover will receive $2.3 million as part

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Hike for Youth Homelessness

The heart of Australia is calling you to Hike for Youth Homelessness. Are you in? There are only five spots left!On this incredible adventure, you

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