Nobody should have to experience homelessness due to a lack of affordable or appropriate housing. That’s why Bridge It exists: a charity based in Melbourne that wants to play a part in ending homelessness in Australia. By breaking the long-term cycle of homelessness, the team aims to provide access to affordable housing with individualised support, and facilitate greater connection to community.
Bridge It is unique in its approach to the persistent and difficult issue of homelessness. Their focus is on creating homes rather than just houses — places that are safe, comfortable and welcoming which empower residents and increase their choice, safety and sense of connection. They believe that the way a home feels can impact the rest of your life, which is why their goal is to “support people to find their way home”.
With several initiatives and programs currently running, Bridge It is making a tangible impact in Victoria. The charity is part of the ‘Homeless to a Home (H2H)’ program, a Victorian government initiative which helps support 1,845 households — who have been living in emergency accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic — transition safely into medium- and long-term housing. Bridge It is proud to be one of 14 government partnerships across Victoria helping deliver support for this program.
Supportive Housing
Bridge It has partnered with HousingFirst (a not-for-profit providing social and affordable housing across Melbourne). to deliver two residential programs, The Cocoon and The Sanctuary. The programs fill critical gaps in the homelessness system which focuses on short term accommodation such as crisis accommodations and youth refuges. Both programs have mentors who live onsite, access to one-on-one support and groups.
“The programs tackle homelessness at both ends. The Cocoon is an early intervention program. It aims to divert young people away from a life of homelessness by providing the stability and connection of a home and upskilling them to equip them with the skills needed live independently. The Sanctuary assists people who have experienced many years of housing instability or homelessness who may need housing and support for ever.”
The Cocoon
The Cocoon is a large, beautiful heritage-listed property in St Kilda which provides safe housing to six young women who have exited homelessness or out-of-home care. The program creates a community and support system for these women over the period of each 12-month lease, with an ultimate goal to support them in their eventual transition to independent living.
It’s a therapeutic space for women aged 17–24 to recover and stabilise, and a mentor lives on-site to provide guidance and support each resident to develop independent living skills. The cost of rent at The Cocoon is capped at 30% of the resident’s income; this allows each woman to support themselves without worrying about covering rent each week or month, which is an empowering feeling for anyone who has experienced homelessness. Each resident has their own key worker who assists them to work towards their life goals. Residents are also able to attend daily groups including cooking, budgeting, art and dog therapy. The intention of the program is to upskill the young women to be able to transition into
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is a beautiful converted mansion in St Kilda, The Sanctuary comprises seven high-quality, secure studio apartments to women who are living with complex mental health diagnoses such as schizophrenia. Similar to The Cocoon, there is a mentor who lives on-site, and the focus remains on providing a combination of housing and support together in one safe location. The Sanctuary is designed to provide flexible support, emphasise community connection, develop life and independent living skills, and find volunteering opportunities in the local area. It provides “a therapeutic community where recovery is possible”, allowing residents who have experienced trauma to lead fulfilling and connected lives. There is no time limit to have long people can call the Sanctuary their home.
Bridge It’s residential programs receive no government funding and rely on the generosity of individuals and foundation to operate.
Bridge It is always looking for support in the form of donations, resources, or volunteers to expand their programs and better support their residents. If you’d like to show your support, please visit the donations page on their website here or email them at hello@bridgeit.com.au.
Find out more about Bridge It on their website here or email them at hello@bridgeit.com.au.
Let us know!
