Making a Safe Nest

On 24 February, an official launch was held for Haven House Shepparton (The Nest) in regional Shepparton with Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills, Melinda Lawley, CEO, The Bridge Youth Service, members of the community and key stakeholders on the project celebrating the completion of the project. The build has been a successful collaboration between building partner Modular Spaces, community housing provider Women’s Property Initiatives, and charity partner The Bridge Youth Service.

“Three years ago, we embarked on a transformative journey in partnership with The Bridge Youth Service and Women’s Property Initiative. Together, we have successfully delivered three new homes, providing a fresh start for three young mothers and their children in Shepparton,” said Kate Mills. “The Property Industry Foundation plays a pivotal role in uniting the property and construction sectors to make a tangible impact on youth homelessness. This project stands as a powerful example of cross-sector collaboration, demonstrating that by working together, we can break the cycle of homelessness.”

The Nest’s modern and functional 3 x two-bedroom modular homes provide a safe environment for vulnerable young mums in the North Central Victoria region to adjust to parenthood and establish a secure future for themselves and their children, through stability and wraparound support. A key element of the program is to provide tenants with a rental history for future access to the private rental market.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the property and construction industries, who have generously raised funds, provided pro bono services, and contributed materials to deliver high-quality homes designed to stand the test of time,” said Kate. “The support of the industry has been invaluable, with pro bono services and supplies generously donated to help make these houses truly feel like home.“

Gallagher Jeffs lent pro bono project management services to the project, providing crucial leadership, momentum and direction. “We recognise that projects like The Nest are often underfunded and rely heavily on pro bono contributions,” says Tim d’Antoine, Director, Gallagher Jeffs. “By offering our management skills, we help bridge the gap between limited resources and the need for high-quality project execution. We hope our commitment to The Nest inspires other businesses to also contribute their resources to similar causes, encouraging more widespread support for vulnerable populations.“

Build partner Modular Spaces has spearheaded the project through numerous challenges, including multiple COVID-19 lockdowns and devastating flooding in Shepparton in October 2022. “Modular Spaces has proven to be an exceptional partner, demonstrating a strong commitment to the project’s success and the future wellbeing of its tenants,” says Tim. “Their team’s dedication is evident in their meticulous attention to detail and their ability to foster strong relationships with trades and subcontractors. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in maintaining momentum and overcoming obstacles throughout the project.”

“The Foundation enabled the idea, hatched between the Bridge Youth Service and the Women’s Property Initiative to come to life. Without the team at the Foundation and their generous supporters we would not have generated enough funds to build the units.”

Melinda Lawley, CEO, The Bridge Youth Service