The Bridge Youth Service has reached a significant milestone in its initiative, dubbed ‘The Nest: Solid Foundations’, designed to support vulnerable mums aged 25 and under.
The Nest project will provide modular homes for young mothers where they can live independently with their children for up to five years.
The Nest will host three two-bedroom homes designed to offer a safe haven, stability and essential support services, enabling residents to build a rental history and opening up future opportunities in the private rental market.
Now, the first modular homes have arrived on site, and the first residents are expected in the coming months.
“This is an exhilarating moment for our team and the community,” The Bridge Youth Service chief executive Melinda Lawley said.
“The arrival of the modular homes brings us one step closer to providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable young mothers, many of whom are escaping difficult circumstances.”
According to The Bridge Youth Service, the homes feature family-friendly interiors and a central soft play area for children.
Now that the modules have arrived, the next steps to complete the project include landscaping, playground installation, furnishing and utility setup.
“Our staff are working hard in the background while these works are being completed to formalise our Nest program guidelines in preparation for young mothers moving in, which we anticipate will be early in the new year,” Ms Lawley said.
The Nest project is a collaboration with the Property Industry Foundation and Women’s Property Initiatives.
“It is really satisfying to see the Nest modules in place, and they will soon be beautiful homes,” Women’s Property Initiatives chief executive Roberta Buchanan said.
“This is an example of effective collaboration that will change the future for these young women and their children.
“We thank our partners, the project team and the generous supporters who have brought this project to life.”
Women’s Property Initiatives will handle leases at The Nest, and rent will be charged.
The Bridge Youth Service will handle ongoing wrap-around support for the young mums who move in.
Supports include housing support, young parenting and antenatal support, therapeutic intervention support, and advocacy and support to navigate systems, such as housing, health, education, mental health, family violence and financial and legal advice.
Multiple parties have been involved in providing funding and support for The Nest, including The Danks Trust, ISPT, Mercy Foundation, The Flora and Frank Leith Trust, The Felton Bequest, The Wood Foundation and the Jack and Ethel Goldin Foundation.
It’s estimated to be a $1 million-plus project, according to TBYT.
The modular homes were crafted by Modular Spaces and designed by Schored Projects.
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