Village 21

Village 21 – a supportive environment for young people at risk of homelessness

Located in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Village 21 is a $1.2 million partnership between Anglicare Victoria and Kids Under Cover. The facility was officially launched in December 2020 by Victorian Housing Minister Richard Wynne.

Village 21 is an innovative housing model designed to support young people leaving state care enjoy a positive start to their adult lives. It offers them safe and secure housing, provided until they reach the level of maturity and self-sufficiency required to comfortably move into independent living in the community.

Village 21 provides accommodation for six young people who are at risk of homeless. There is also accommodation for two live-in mentors. The eight residents each have their own bedrooms and come together to eat, watch television and socialise.

There are six separate buildings onsite:

two one-bedroom units, each with ensuite
three two-bedroom units, each with a shared bathroom
a communal building containing a kitchen, laundry, dining area and living room.

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A stable home and strong support network

It’s not just about housing – it’s about ensuring these vulnerable young people have access to the wrap-around services they need to support them into their transition to life after out-of-home care. Young people leaving state care have unique needs and challenges, and the Village 21 model is designed to reduce the impact these factors have on their lives.

The physical buildings are provided by Kids Under Cover, and Anglicare Victoria provides comprehensive support services to the residents. AV staff specialised in employment and study pathways provide guidance and advice, while group sessions focused on cooking, gardening and life skills help the young people build their confidence and independence. Young people can stay at the facility for up to three years.

A lifeline for young people leaving state care

18-year-old Kiren spent most of his childhood bouncing between different foster care homes. When the time came for him to leave out-of-home care he didn’t know where he would go next. He spent a month sleeping on a friend’s couch before the opportunity came up for him to move into Village 21.

“Places like Village 21 give people like me a place to stay and study and learn and go out into the future – to get back on your feet over the next few years,” he said. “It’s been a really great place for young people to come, learn and live life.”

Village 21 is giving vulnerable young people like Kiren the security and stability they need for a successful transition to adulthood.