When the Bridge Youth Service finally closed the op shop’s doors in 2019, funds preserved from this initiative were set aside for future use for the community, the organisation’s management board president Georgia Linton said.
Two years later, the land for ‘The Nest: Solid Foundation’ (nicknamed ‘The Nest’) was secured, with three units designed for young mums aged 16-25 to be completed mid-2022.
Ms Linton said the money left from the op shop gave the organisation some flexibility in operation, and that creating more housing for those in need was how they decided to use it locally.
“We wanted to use the money to invest back into the community,” she said.
“Across the town, state and country we’re experiencing a housing crisis, so three units is a good start.”
Now, they’re hoping to raise about $150,000 by June next year to contribute to the build.
“It’s a moment for the community to pull together,” Ms Linton said.
“Nothing is too small.”
The Bridge Youth Service chief executive Melinda Lawley said they were grateful for the community support to get them to this stage.
“This is the community’s contribution,” she said.
Each unit will be operated on a medium-term lease, so the women residing there can secure a rental history, have access to common areas and support, as well as antenatal and parenting programs provided by the organisation.
“Often because they’re young mothers, they’ve had to move out of the family home,” Mrs Lawley said.
“We’re hoping the units stabilise their lives.”
The Shepparton organisation partnered with Women’s Property Initiative to fund a large portion of the build.
Ms Linton said they had consulted a “broad range of people” in order to design the units to fit the needs of the women who will call the units home.
“We want it to be an adapting space for anyone that is in need of support,” she said.
The fundraising efforts are set to begin next week and will be launched with an online event.
“We’re just wanting to kick-start the process now and give everyone the opportunity to be involved,” Ms Linton said.
“We have the ability to do something and put a little mark on the world.”
Shepparton’s social housing wait list is currently at its longest, with more than 1500 families waiting according to data from the September quarter.
To donate now, or for more information, visit thebridge.org.au/donate-button
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