The doors have opened on the Salvation Army’s Cricklewood Frankston Youth Education Pathway Accommodation, with the project’s official launch held on 31 October.
The Property Industry Foundation committed $250,000 of beneficiary funding to support this vital building project in Frankston, Victoria – providing four new townhouses and 10 bedrooms for at-risk youth aged 16-21 years old to focus on their studies. Dr James Aloni – Salvation Army’s State Manager Youth Services – was on site for the opening ceremony, followed by a walk-through of the purpose-built new home and an informal barbecue under clear skies.
“The launch of the Cricklewood project represents more than just an opening of a new site,” says James. “It marks a renewed commitment to empowering young people in Frankston to create brighter futures. It’s a tangible step towards breaking cycles of disadvantage by providing safety, stability, and opportunity in one place.”
The housing project is an ‘Education Pathway Housing’ model – providing stable housing for young people to complete their studies, gain employment, and transition to independent living. “Youth unemployment in Frankston remains significantly higher than the Victorian average,” says James. “Giving young people the space to finish their studies or find employment allows young people to stabilise their lives, build confidence, and develop skills and independence needed to transition successfully into adulthood and long-term housing.”
”Having support from the Property Industry Foundation and Homes Victoria has allowed us to complete this project and will see many young people thrive.
Dr James Aloni, The Salvation Army Youth Services Victoria
Faten Sadik, Chair of the Beneficiary Review Committee in Victoria and Project Director at Stockland spoke at the launch. “Despite the rising costs of construction that could have put the project on hold, the Foundation’s support was invaluable in ensuring that the Salvation Army didn’t have to pause this important work, allowing them to continue creating real, lasting change for these young people in need.
By partnering with the Salvation Army on the Cricklewood project, we’re not just providing a safe place to live – we’re helping 10 young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness take the first step towards a future filled with hope and possibilities.”
The project was made possible by Homes Victoria through their Capital Grants program and the Property Industry Foundation’s significant financial contribution – a collaborative response to the housing crisis and youth homelessness. “It takes everyone to support the important issue of youth homelessness,” says James. “Having support from the Property Industry Foundation and Homes Victoria has allowed us to complete this project and will see many young people thrive.”
