Donation worth $25,000 will help keep young people off the streets
Habitat for Humanity's Studio Purpose project in Murray Bridge is nearing completion, thanks to volunteers and donors.
A social housing project in Murray Bridge is getting close to completion, thanks to the hard work of volunteers and generosity of donors.
Habitat for Humanity’s Studio Purpose project will create four new units for young people who have nowhere else to live, and will help them develop life skills and move into more permanent accommodation over the long term.
The project got a big boost on Friday, when the Bank SA Foundation announced it would make a $25,000 donation.
Chairman David Firth said the bank staff who funded the foundation had wanted to support young people who were at a critical stage in their lives.
“Young people need support in both the school environment and when living in the community, particularly with higher youth unemployment rates against a backdrop of unpredictability and change,” he said.
“If we can help by providing funding for much-needed services, it can create clearer pathways and brighter futures.
“By supporting projects such as Habitat for Humanity’s Studio Purpose, we’ll also see a flow-on effect in the Murraylands community through increased work for trades, the purchase of building materials and overall community participation from volunteers donating time to help.”
Almost 200 young people – or about one in 10 – are estimated to be homeless, or at risk of homelessness, in the Murraylands.
The partners in the Studio Purpose project – who include AC Care and Headspace – will aim to help tenants develop the skills they will need to stay healthy, get an education and/or reunite with their families as they rebuild their lives.
The four units are due to be finished by the end of June.
Dozens of volunteers have pitched in over the past few months, including Murray Bridge High School students, and numerous local businesses have donated building materials, services or labour.
Habitat for Humanity was still looking for volunteers able to help install plasterboard this week as recently as a week ago.
- Volunteer: Message Habitat for Humanity South Australia on Facebook or email hfha.sa@habitat.org.au.
- Donate: www.givenow.com.au/youthhousingmurraybridge.
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