As the cost-of-living crisis puts more young Australians at risk of homelessness, a housing charity is kicking off construction on a new life-changing place for some of them to call home.
Bridge It, which provides medium-term accommodation for young women and gender diverse people at risk of homelessness, is starting a $1 million renovation of its second ‘Cocoon’ residence.
The second property is a 15-apartment building in St Kilda, Melbourne, which was recently gifted to the charity by a Melbourne couple who purchased the property and is leasing it to Bridge It for $1 a year for the next 20 years.
The charity is relying on a team led by Cobild Builders and K2LD Architects to completely gut and renovate all of the apartments in a matter of months, with the second residence due to open in mid-2026.
Bridge It chief executive Carla Raynes said they didn’t receive government funding to run the charity.
“The building needs a full $1 million renovation before our residents can move in, and we are relying on the generosity of local businesses to make this dream come true,” Ms Raynes said.
The second 'cocoon' residence is undergoing a $1 million renovation. Picture: Supplied
“We are documenting the process on film, with the aim of producing a TV show.
“We’ve already filmed the pilot episode and can’t wait to show Australia behind the scenes of a project this size.”
The new residence comes as more than 122,000 people experience homelessness and housing insecurity on any given night according to 2021 census figures, with one in 10 Aussies just a single setback away from losing their home.
Bridge It chief executive Carla Raynes says homelessness has reached a crisis point. Picture: Supplied
Most homelessness is hidden, with the majority of people experiencing homelessness often couch surfing, living in cars, or staying in temporary accommodation without security.
Homelessness among women has been rising the fastest, with young women the worst affected.
Ms Raynes said the issue had reached crisis point.
A team led by Cobild Builders and K2LD Architects will renovate the new residence for the charity. Picture: Supplied
"We have an escalating homelessness crisis and are letting down our children and young people who are falling through the cracks of a broken system," she said.
"After over 20 years working in homelessness, I have never seen it this bad. Most ‘solutions’ are short-term fixes.”
The charity opened its first ‘cocoon’ residence in St Kilda in 2024 and has successfully supported 36 young people since.
The apartment building was gifted to the charity by a Melbourne couple who purchased the property and is leasing it to Bridge It for $1 a year for the next 20 years. Picture: Supplied
The residences support young women and gender diverse people aged 16-21 for 12 to 18 months, focusing on those who have been impacted by the out-of-home-care system and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The charity says the ‘cocoons’ provide more than a roof over their heads, they provide mentorship, help to teach life skills such as cooking and budgeting, celebrate life milestones and offer an opportunity to form real connections and relationships.
Bridge It lived experience advisor Sarah Morris grew up in out-of-home-care and said the positive impact of the Cocoon couldn’t be overstated.
Ms Morris experienced domestic violence and neglect and spent six years bouncing around different care settings as a teenager.
Bridge It community members walking through the first 'cocoon' residence. Picture: Supplied
She said there were many times she felt unsafe and discriminated against as a young woman in out-of-home-care, and wished she had had access to something like the Cocoon.
“Carla and her team bring so much warmth and love,” Ms Morris said.
“The young people are given the care, the choice and the autonomy. That shows in the outcomes we’re seeing from them.”
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