April 2008

Bungalow program fits the bill

An innovative housing program that is putting a roof over the heads of some of Victoria’s most vulnerable young people is paying big social dividends, according to new research.

They include improved study and school performance, better job prospects, more self-esteem and better family relationships.

The results are part of an independent evaluation of programs run by Kids Under Cover, a charity providing temporary bungalows and scholarships for at-risk young people.

Established in 1989 in the wake of the Senate National Inquiry into Youth Homelessness (the Burdekin report), Kids Under Cover has provided more than 250 houses and bungalows in Melbourne and regional Victoria and 40 scholarships.

The bungalow program gives young people temporary housing separate from their family or carer’s main house, allowing them to live semi-independently.

Kids Under Cover has 144 bungalows in Victoria with an average establishment cost of between $33,500 and $41,500.

The charity also currently has 13 houses provided in partnership with community service organisations.

•           For more information visit Kids Under Cover at http://www.kuc.org.au/cpa/htm/.