Metro Community Housing has been in partnership with Launchpad Youth (and its predecessor organisation Erskinevilla) to provide transitional housing for young people for over 20 years.

This has been a very positive collaboration which supports the objectives of Metro’s Transitional Housing program – to house people who would otherwise face significant barriers in finding affordable housing, – and Launchpad’s purpose – to assist vulnerable young people and families to address the issues which have placed them at risk, to develop positive tenancies and living skills and be supported on their path to independence.

Our partnership has evolved from 2 “shared tenancy” properties for young single people to our current partnership arrangement which offers Launchpad nomination rights to 11 properties for both young single people and young families.

Under the partnership agreement Launchpad nominates our clients – generally those exiting crisis accommodation services and at risk of homelessness, or young people who are insecurely or unsafely housed, and require ongoing case management.

Launchpad provides active support and advocacy for our clients and Metro provides suitable properties and undertakes all property and tenancy management functions. Tenancies are offered to our clients generally for periods of between 12-24 months depending on individual circumstances, and whether or not the young person is “priority approved” on Housing Pathways.

Metro is able to offer Launchpad clients who are undertaking full time tertiary or vocational studies a flexible tenancy term which allows them to complete their studies and enhance their opportunity to find employment or improve their opportunities.

As the majority of young people will exit transitional housing for the private rental market, enhancing their skills and opportunities is an important objective of their transitional housing. Transitional tenants are also eligible for both the FACS funded and Metro’s own scholarship program which provides financial assistance for young people completing Years 11 and 12, or attending TAFE, University or other accredited vocational programs.

The quality of the Launchpad-Metro partnership has allowed us to work collaboratively to provide stable, affordable housing and appropriate support to over 34 young people and 26 children in the 18/19 financial year and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the years ahead.