Village life

“If I wasn’t at Village 21, I don’t think I’d be living in any sort of accommodation. I’d be homeless, hoping that I could find a place to be sleeping and living and being able to afford food and such. The village has given me an opportunity to get some sure footing and figure myself out.” Village 21 resident

Eighteen months since the launch of Village 21 in Preston, an independent review from Swinburne University has found the project has the capacity to be transformational for the Victorian Government in reducing the financial and social burden of homelessness for young people.

The site provides supported studio accommodation in a communal setting for six young people transitioning from out-of-home care.

Since entering the village, most of the residents have found employment and all have shown significant improvement in living skills – skills not always easily acquired by young people growing up in state care.

We’re grateful to our partners in the project, Anglicare Victoria, and for funding from the Victorian State Government.