Kids Under Cover is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing youth homelessness.
We offer young people the unique combination of supported housing options with scholarships
Kids Under Cover supports vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness by building studios
There are many ways to get involved and help at-risk young people and their families.
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.
This innovative village environment will assist in creating strong connections back to the community and teach skills in self-sufficiency. Six young people aged 18-21 and two professional mentors will reside on site, with regular visits by Anglicare Victoria staff with expertise in employment and study pathways. Village 21 will support communal activities such as cooking, maintaining shared gardens and learning life skills.
We are excited for the significantly improved social outcomes for the young people who will be part of the project.
Village 21 is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of a number of supporters. Major partners include:
Kids Under Cover is a foundation member of the Home Stretch Campaign, calling for the extension of Out of Home Care (OOHC) until the age of 21.
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. Many young people leaving OOHC at 18 are ill equipped with the skills to live independently. The Village is designed to support communal activities such as cooking together, maintaining shared gardens and learning life skills to enable them to transition successfully to independence.
There are six buildings on the Village 21 site. A communal building with a kitchen, living room and laundry, three 2-bedroom studios with a bathroom for tenants and two 1-bedroom studios for live in mentors.
This layout enables the young people to grow into the sense of community whilst being able to create their own home.
The studios have a 6 star energy rating, are built from Durra Panel, run on solar panels and are connected to water tanks.
Take a walk through Village 21 and see the construction via a time-lapse, thanks to our partners Macutex.
young people aged 18-21 leaving out of home care
live in mentors providing ongoing support
year peppercorn lease from the City of Darebin
