ac.care’s Murray Bridge youth homelessness project has been highly commended in the partnership category of the national Anglicare Australia awards presented this month.
The Studio Purpose project was praised for transforming the lives of vulnerable youths after the community worked together to develop a second set of four units last year to provide housing for eight young people at risk of homelessness.
Charity Habitat for Humanity South Australia coordinated the construction phase of the project led by ac.care and has converted two disused duplexes provided by the South Australian Housing Authority into eight apartments for youth over recent years.
Donors, building material suppliers, tradespeople and businesses, along with volunteers, combined their efforts to complete the construction phase of the second Studio Purpose housing project, which opened in February.
The properties are managed by Believe Housing Australia and home to eight young people who benefit from the intensive support provided by ac.care to help tenants reach their potential, including connection with education and employment to achieve independence.
Other project partners include the Rural City of Murray Bridge and headspace.
Murraylands Homelessness Service manager Thanuja Hiripitiyage and youth homelessness case worker Cristina “Crissy” McCalden are pictured with the award.
The project is not currently funded and is sustained through donations.
Visit accare.org.au/donate to contribute.
