Bridge It runs our flagship "Cocoon" program which is the only youth supportive housing for young women and gender diverse people in Australia. Following the success of Cocoon #1, we are intending to launch our second Cocoon in the next 12 months. We have secured a 15-studio apartment block in St Kilda on a peppercorn ...
Bridge It
Launching a Second Cocoon – Youth Supportive Housing
GOAL
$70,000
Australia > VIC > Metro
Field of Interest
- Housing and homelessness
- Social inclusion and justice
Target Population
- People experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Women and girls
Bridge It
Bridge It is an innovative organisation dedicated to breaking the cycle of youth homelessness and creating lasting, high-impact solutions. Established in 2021, we are driven by a bold ambition to play a pivotal role in ending youth homelessness in Australia.
Guided by lived experience at every level, from the Board to frontline services, Bridge It reimagines support systems to empower young people and create sustainable pathways out of homelessness and crisis and into thriving lives.
Bridge It stands apart through its commitment to radical collaboration, partnering with other organisations and businesses to amplify impact and innovation. Bridge It has launched and grown without the support of government to date.
Our Mission
End youth homelessness by providing homes, community, and high-quality support.
Micro Vision: A Cocoon in every state of Australia.
Macro Vision: We inspire new ways of thinking so homelessness support is life-changing and long-lasting.
Mega Vision: We play a role in ending youth homelessness in Australia.
Project Summary
Bridge It runs our flagship "Cocoon" program which is the only youth supportive housing for young women and gender diverse people in Australia. Following the success of Cocoon #1, we are intending to launch our second Cocoon in the next 12 months.
We have secured a 15-studio apartment block in St Kilda on a peppercorn lease arrangement for the next 20 years. The property requires significant renovation to transform it into beautiful, safe, self-contained homes. Additionally, we will need to direct staffing resources towards the project to have the project managed, build new partnerships and fundraise for the support costs of the project.
Project Outcomes
- The building will be fully renovated and ready for tenants to move in by early 2026.
- 13 young people will be provided with a home for 12-18 months.
- Over the 20-year tenancy, average stays will be 15 months which will result in approx. 200 young people being housed over this time.
- An longitudinal study will be completed to assess impact of the Cocoon on the lives of the young people across numerous domains (health, legal, employment, engagement in the criminal justice system etc.)
- We anticipate the other generous philanthropists will also look to purchase buildings to enable more Cocoons to be created to get to 4 Cocoons in Victoria by 2028.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $140,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Secured Funding from Foundation | $70,000 |
| Funding Gap | $70,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | $35,000 |
| Partnerships Coordinator | $25,000 |
| CEO oversight and fundraising | $15,000 |
| Renovation of building | $55,000 |
| Furnishing of building | $10,000 |
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