The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a beautiful heritage listed, converted mansion in St Kilda. The Sanctuary offers seven high quality, safe, and secure self-contained studio apartments available to women who have experienced homelessness, and one is the home of a mentor who lives on site.

The focus of the program is to provide the much-needed combination of housing and support together in one space. This support is designed to be flexible but might include assistance to connect in with the community, link in with services in the area, finding volunteering opportunities and work on life and living skills. We will also provide group activities such as coffee mornings and picnics. The intention is to create a therapeutic community where recovery is possible. We hope to enable residents to live fulfilling and connected lives.

The Sanctuary program is currently full however, if you’d like to express an interest please email hello@localhost.

What we offer:

  • Guidance and friendship provided by an on-site live-in mentor.
  • Capped rent – 30% of the women’s income plus Commonwealth Rent Assistance amount. (Note: gas, electricity, and water are provided at a cost of $27.50pw).
  • A minimum of three hours of highly tailored support provided by Bridge It as required in the first year (and two hours in subsequent years).
  • Assistance to transition into an unsupported housing option in cases where women feel ready.

Eligibility criteria:

  • You are aged 25 or over
  • You are female-identifying
  • You have experienced homelessness, mental health or trauma.
  • You have an NDIS package which can be used to cover the cost of the support.
  • You want to live in a community setting and build meaningful relationships with your neighbours.
  • You want support and are keen to attend social groups, such as coffee club and walks.

The Sanctuary is a collaborative project between HousingFirst and Bridge It.

Donate to the Sanctuary to assist us to operate this much needed program.

SUPPORT THE SANCTUARY

Other services we provide

The Cocoon

Accommodation for young women in St Kilda finding their way home from out-of- home care or homelessness.

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Homes Connect

Formally Home Share Melbourne. We are not currently taking referrals or enquiries for the program. Please check back in 2022.

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Training & Consult

Providing support to organisations and professionals who want to offer or create homeshare arrangements.

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