Youth housing project officially opens in Maidstone

deansimpson7
Aug 26
3 min read

At the official opening of the Salvos youth housing project in Maidstone were (from left) Venice, who is associated with Salvos youth programs, Colonel Rodney Walters (Secretary for Communications), Colonel Kelvin Merrett (Vic. Divisional Commander) and Chelsea, also connected with Salvos youth programs.

BY LERISSE SMITH

A transformative multi-million-dollar Salvos youth housing project has been officially unveiled, heralding a bold and visionary step toward addressing Victoria’s escalating housing crisis.

The Salvation Army Housing Victoria (SAHV) multi-dwelling housing development in the Melbourne inner-suburb of Maidstone was officially opened by Colonel Kelvin Merrett during a special ‘Blessing and Opening’ event on 12 August.

It marked a significant milestone in the organisation’s mission to deliver modern and affordable residences and reflected a long-term commitment to real and positive change in the lives of young people.

Two key drivers of the youth housing project, Loren Munro (Project Co-ordinator) and Tuyet-Anh Le (Program Delivery Manager) received flowers at the official opening.

“The launch of this project is a great achievement,” said Loren Munro, Project Coordinator with Salvos Housing Victoria.

“It was very exciting and a moment for stakeholders – both internal and external – to recognise completion of the project and to come together to both support and celebrate an achievement made possible through the generosity of our donors.

“The blessing and opening of Maidstone marked a powerful coming together of internal stakeholders, united in their commitment to creating meaningful and vital opportunities for young people pursuing tertiary education.”

Purpose-built to support and empower people aged 18 to 26 through the Salvos’ Youth Education Pathways Program, the two multi-storey residences are designed to provide safe housing and the opportunity to build a better future, as the young people will be funded to pursue further education.

Young person, Chelsea, addresses the attendees at the opening of the exciting new development.

Tailored specifically for young tenants actively engaged in education, the housing development features two contemporary townhouses on one site – a front one with two bedrooms and a rear one with three bedrooms.

Entirely funded by generous philanthropic donations, driven by Youth Services Manager Ralph Salera and other Salvos programs, the project offers secure and supportive housing for young people with the goal to foster a small, supportive community built around growth, stability and opportunity as the youths pursue training, employment and long-term success.

“They (the tenants) will be fully engaged with The Salvation Army Youth Services, who will be helping them with their life skills, employment skills, education skills and homework groups,” Loren said.

“They will also be actively part of, and engaging in, the youth community as well.”

Emphasising the importance of housing provision for young people was Kelvin Merrett (Vic. Divisional Commander), who officially opened the multi-million-dollar youth housing project on 12 August.

Tenants have been selected by the Youth Services program, with Salvos Housing having input into the rent charges and property management.

“Like most of our properties, we will only charge a percentage of their income,” Loren added.

“So, it still remains affordable housing while the Youth Services provide our young people in our community the opportunity to get an education, pursue a career and break the cycle once and for all. We look forward to being with them every step of the way as they forge their pathway ahead.”