CityMission’s Sherri Brunholt and Reverend Ric Holland, with Minister Wendy Lovell, relax in the refurbished lounge. 70884 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By LAURA WAKELY
BRIMBANK youth have been given a safe place to turn to in tough times, with the reopening of the Melbourne Citymission Youth Refuge in Sunshine last week.
More than $100,000 worth of upgrades, including a new lounge area, kitchenettes, carpets and landscaping, were carried out over the past three months by Melbourne Citymission at the refuge, which is part of the Western Region Accommodation Program (WRAP).
The refuge can take in up to eight young people, including individuals and parents with children, for an average of six weeks.
The youth are aged between 16 and 25 and are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Staff also support the young people’s social, emotional and practical needs during their stay and offer assistance in obtaining more appropriate housing for them after they leave.
Housing Minister Wendy Lovell, who officially reopened the refuge, said it would provide young people with safe, short-term crisis accommodation and support.
Ms Lovell was joined by Victoria’s Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary and youth worker Les Twentyman as well as representatives from Melbourne Citymission and the Council to Homeless Persons at the re-opening.
“It’s vitally important young people who need the help of organisations like Melbourne Citymission are given the chance to rebuild their lives in an environment that inspires them to secure a better future,” Ms Lovell said.
“I would like to congratulate Melbourne Citymission on the refurbishment, as well as congratulating the many young people who have contributed to the refuge’s success.”
Built in 1994, the WRAP refuge is a partnership between Melbourne Citymission, the Twentieth Man Fund and other philanthropists, including the Smorgon family.
