Village 21 Preston

It has been reported that 35% of young people who leave the care system experience homelessness at some point. Almost two thirds of young people who have experienced homelessness have spent time in out-of-home care. The Village 21 model is designed to interrupt this pathway by providing a stable and supported accommodation option during the vulnerable period of transition. Many young people leaving out-of-home care are ill-equipped with the essential living skills they need to live independently. Village 21 supports the development of skills such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting while providing an interactive environment and access to employment and training opportunities.

Village 21 Is set in a private, contemporary communal living environment in close proximity to the thriving local community and public transport. The communal setting features a shared kitchen, living room and laundry, three two bedroom studios with a bathroom for the young residents and two one-bedroom studios for the live-in mentors. There’s a communal bbq area, outdoor courtyards and garden areas to grow plants and vegetables.

Young people can live at Village 21 until the end of their 21st year. The Key Practitioner will work with the young person to assist them in finding secure long-term housing prior to their exit.

What is the role of the mentors?

Live-in Mentors are volunteers who live at the property. At least one mentor is expected to be present at the village each night. They are available to assist with building the independent living skills of young people, and model independent living behaviours such as attending work or study, cleaning, cooking, washing, etc.

Village 21 could not exist without the incredible support and collaboration with various government, corporate and community partners, including the Victorian Government, NH Architecture, JB Hi-Fi, Harris HMC, Corrs Chambers Westgarth and many more organisations who have all been significant in their contribution to the project.