The Cocoon: St Kilda, Melbourne

The Cocoon is a 19-apartment mansion in St Kilda owned by community housing provider, HousingFirst. We provide homes and support to 16 residents who have experienced the out-of-home care system or homelessness. The Cocoon provides a home to recover, stabilise, develop life and living skills, and prepare for long-term housing.

“It’s just nice to live in a place where I don’t feel like I have to sit in my room all day because I’m not friends with anyone…it’s been good having the support and being around other people who are also traumatised.”

– RESIDENT

What we offer changes regularly as we respond to the requests of our residents, but typical support includes:

  • Bridge It Crew at the Cocoon for a minimum of six hours per day, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays.)
  • Lived Experience Mentoring, one-on-one and in groups.
  • Life and living skills development, one-on-one and in groups. Activities include cooking, budgeting and much more.
  • Therapies and wellness activities, such as massage, acupuncture, naturopathy, music, art and access to a local gym.
  • Community experiences, including birthday celebrations, BBQs, movie nights & meals out.
  • Education & Employment Pathways Program, support to access meaningful education and employment opportunities as well as access to scholarships.
  • Case Management and a range of other services provided by our partner organisations.

The Accommodation

Elibility Criteria

HousingFirst owns the property and acts as the landlord, managing the tenancy and maintenance side of things.

We offer a studio apartment up to an 18-month lease.

There is a resident’s lounge (The Butterfly Room), group-work zone (The Hub), sensory space (The Retreat), study area (The Nook), beautiful garden and courtyard.

HousingFirst caps the rent at 30% of resident’s income plus Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Note: maintenance of the property and common areas, gardening, electricity, internet and water are an additional charge which is set by HousingFirst.

  • Women and gender diverse people aged between 16- 21.
  • Have experienced homelessness or the out-of-home-care system.
  • Be referred by one of our referral partners.
  • Have an interest in the range of supports and programs provided at The Cocoon.
  • Willingness to engage with Case Management support through our partner organisation for the duration of their lease.
  • Be able to live independently without support from the Bridge It Crew overnight, on weekends, and on public holidays.
  • Be able to maintain a tenancy with the level of support provided at The Cocoon.

Check out the stunning mural at our Cocoon.

Our home is beautiful, bright and welcoming and our Cocoon support is life changing.

The Cocoon currently doesn’t get government funding. We need generous supporters to be able to run our Cocoon.

To support The Cocoon, please donate below.