Inspecting a Kids Under Cover project today, the Premier John Brumby said the funding boost would go towards expanding accommodation the charity provides for young Victorians in need across the state.

“Every young Victoria has the right to a safe and secure home and the work being done by Kids Under Cover to provide accommodation for our disadvantaged young people is tremendous,” Mr Brumby said.

“Our Government is a proud supporter of this project – which is about providing the right support and accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness and empowering disadvantaged students so they can fulfil their full potential.

“These bungalows will help families who are at risk of breakdown and foster families and carers who are seeking more room to accommodate young people in need and also assist young people with disabilities to remain living at home.”

Kids Under Cover is a not-for-profit organisation that raises funds to build houses and demountable bungalows to accommodate young people at risk of homelessness. The Government provides funds to the group to facilitate its work to provide this accommodation.

Mr Brumby and Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson visited a Kids Under Cover project in Epping in Whittlesea City Council as part of the Victorian Government’s Hume and Whittlesea Community Cabinet. 

Mr Brumby said the $1.3 million would fund the construction of 39 new bungalows and the relocation of nine existing bungalows, providing medium to long-term accommodation for young Victorians in need.

“The bungalows are prefabricated one-bedroom and two-bedroom units that could be erected in the backyard of an existing dwelling,” Mr Brumby said.  “They have an estimated lifespan of up to 15 years and can be dismantled and relocated up to three times as the need arises.”

Mr Robinson said the Victorian Government was taking action to ensure Victoria’s young people had safe and secure homes.

“Our Government is leading the way in researching, developing and implementing models to assist homeless people, and is dedicated to providing environments where vulnerable young people are nurtured and supported,” Mr Robinson said.

“The 2007-08 State Budget delivered $9.6 million for homelessness initiatives, particularly focusing on boosting housing for homeless and at-risk young people in the growth areas of Casey, Melton, Whittlesea and the Yarra Ranges.” 

Kids Under Cover was established in 1989. Since then it has constructed 195 new bungalows, relocated 81 existing bungalows, constructed 16 houses and provided accommodation for more than 1700 children and young people.

The Victorian Government funding for Kids Under Cover is being delivered through the Victorian Property Fund (VPF) over the next three years. The VPF is a trust fund established under the Estate Agents Act 1980 and is administrated by Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Mr Robinson said the VPF provided grants for community benefiting purposes including the development of affordable housing for disadvantaged Victorians.

For more information about the Victorian Property Fund, including grant application forms, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au/grants.