Finding safe, stable accommodation is one of the biggest challenges facing young people and families in our region. Over the past year, Brophy’s housing and homelessness support programs have continued to provide vital support and practical pathways for people experiencing uncertainty or crisis.
Across our Foyer, Youth Entry Points, and community/adult homelessness programs, we’ve seen people achieve incredible personal milestones, strengthen their independence, and take confident steps forward.
A year of growth and achievement at Foyer Warrnambool
Foyer Warrnambool continued to be a place where young people can build stability, independence, and a sense of belonging.
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Four new young people moved into Foyer, and 14 more engaged through the Foyer Readiness Program.
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Over the year, 16 young people and 4 children called Foyer home.
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Six young people transitioned into long-term accommodation, including:
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1 into public housing
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3 with family or friends
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2 into private rental
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These transitions represent not just a change of address, but a shift toward long-term thriving.
Personal milestones worth celebrating
Young people at Foyer continue to reach significant personal milestones that build confidence and future opportunity:
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Four obtained their driver’s licence through L2P mentoring, and two purchased their own cars—a huge step toward independence, access to work, and community participation.
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Two young people completed Year 12, demonstrating extraordinary persistence and commitment.
Foyer residents also made their mark nationally. Brophy attended the Foyer Foundation Conference in Sydney, with fundraising support from two Bunnings BBQs that helped fund school holiday programs. One young woman received a scholarship to attend—her first time on an aeroplane—where she spoke on a national panel about mental health in foyer programs.
She even posed a direct question to the Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness about improving Youth Allowance for young people experiencing homelessness.
Her advocacy reflects the strength, resilience and leadership emerging within our Foyer community.
Supporting young people at risk of experiencing homelessness
Across south-west Victoria, 323 young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness accessed support through our Youth Entry Points in Warrnambool, Portland, and Hamilton.
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35% of contacts came from Portland and Hamilton, highlighting significant regional need.
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12% reported at least one episode of rough sleeping or non-conventional accommodation in the past year.
Housing outcomes at a glance
Through Youth Entry Points, young people and families secured safer and more stable accommodation:
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43 newly presenting households accessed short-term or emergency accommodation.
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17 households moved into medium-term transitional housing.
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28 households secured new private rental tenancies.
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9 households received financial support to maintain their existing tenancy and avoid crisis.
Supporting the wider community
Brophy’s Housing Support and Linkages programs continued to support individuals and families across our region with practical, on-the-ground assistance.
Rough Sleeping program
Refunded for another three years, this program has, since 2021:
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Supported 439 people experiencing homelessness
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Provided access to essentials, temporary accommodation, and service referrals
Community strengthening initiatives
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The Outreach and Assistance Program held regular community events at Themar Heights, helping to strengthen connection and reduce isolation.
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Community Reconnections supported 251 people to link with services, maintain housing, and stabilise their living arrangements.
Tenancy support and financial relief
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Tenancy Plus assisted 159 households to prevent eviction, manage arrears, and navigate housing challenges.
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Our No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) received 1,479 enquiries and processed 556 applications, helping people with essential items, medical bills, car repairs, and financial emergencies.
Housing is more than a roof
Safe housing creates stability.
Stability creates opportunity.
And opportunity creates the conditions for a life people can shape for themselves.
We’re proud of every milestone reached, every tenancy sustained, and every young person who took a step toward independence this year. And we’re committed to continuing this work alongside our partners, communities, and supporters.