Barbecue and a chat will help vulnerable young people rebuild their lives
New communal areas have been created behind two blocks of Studio Purpose units refurbished by Habitat for Humanity in Murray Bridge.
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Having provided homes to eight vulnerable young people in Murray Bridge, the organisations behind the Studio Purpose project have now given them something extra: a sense of community.
Communal barbecue areas were opened on Friday behind each of the two blocks of units renovated by Habitat for Humanity and managed by AC Care.
Each features a barbecue, shelter and picnic table installed by national construction company Shape Australia.
State Habitat for Humanity chair Michael Arman said the idea had come from the units’ residents.
Habitat for Humanity volunteer Steve Bown hoped the facilities would encourage the residents to get together, with each other or friends, and help them rebuild their confidence in social situations.
“Some of these kids don’t ever talk to their neighbours,” he said.
“The idea is to get them to share a bit more.”
A few youth group members from Murray Bridge Church of Christ had already come around to spend some time with the residents and test out the facilities, he said.
The Studio Purpose apartments are intended to provide somewhere to live for people aged 15-21 who are at risk of homelessness.
As well as a roof over their heads, AC Care provides residents with all the support they need to get back on their feet, including education and training, and care for their health and wellbeing.
Of the young people who have lived in the apartments, some have moved back in with family members, others have found private rentals, and 75 per cent have resumed or continued their education, according to AC Care.
Both Studio Purpose properties were formerly duplexes owned by the SA Housing Trust.
Each was turned into four small homes, the first block of which was finished in 2021 and the second last year.
Habitat for Humanity’s Kathleen Brannigan hoped the model tested in Murray Bridge – where volunteers partnered with local tradespeople and community-sector organisations to repurpose old public housing – could be repeated elsewhere around Australia, and potentially in the Murraylands again in the future.
- Get help: Contact the Homelessness Gateway on 1800 003 308; or contact AC Care by visiting 29 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge, calling 1300 AC CARE, emailing care@accare.org.au or going to www.accare.org.au.
