Slattery is proudly supporting Melbourne City Mission and the redevelopment of the King Street facility that is home to Frontyard Youth Services, which will provide a world’s first program offering 24 hours services to at-risk and homeless young people coupled with youth crisis accommodation.

Frontyard is a first port of call for many young people, aged 12-25 who are currently experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, disengaged or requiring support. It provides an access to services including shower facilities, toiletries and food, legal advice, doctors, dentists and related services co-located onsite to help get young people off the streets. Frontyard and their partners can help young people work through the issues that are impacting their lives, and make decisions about their future.

Homelessness is a critical issue that is highly evident in the Melbourne CBD now, with over 200 people calling the streets home and unable to access support services for various reasons including domestic violence and mental health.

For people aged 12-25 years, the issues are often particularly poignant at this early stage of their lives. By providing integrated services to address the physical, social and emotional needs of young people, Frontyard is welcome service to help them get back on track to a stable life.

Slattery Director Crawford Fulton commented, “with CBD offices, we can’t help but see the enormity of the problem. There are so many people, some very young, that we see trying to survive on our streets so we are absolutely thrilled to be able to contribute to a very pragmatic project that will make a real difference for young people who find themselves in that situation.”

The project is currently in design stage with construction to start mid this year. All of Slattery’s consultancy services are provided pro bono, as are the other consultants working on this important project, coordinated by the Property Industry Foundation (PIF). Slattery is delighted to be working alongside Fender Katsalidis (Architects), Case Meallin (Project Managers) plus other leading property services including NDY, Wood Grieve, Irwinconsult, Urbis, Hendry Group, Equitable Access, Ashurst Lawyers and building firm, Built.

PIF aims to make a tangible difference to the serious and persistent problem of youth homelessness; partnering with respected charities to build safe environments and support charity-managed initiatives focused on education, employment and well-being.

The Melbourne City Mission Front Yard Program refurbishment of the King Street property is just one project of the national PIF House Program, which builds homes for at-risk and homeless young people across NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

The Foundation is enabled to deliver the PIF House Program through generous donations from the many affiliated property industry consultants, builders, suppliers and supporters who provide their time, expertise, goods and services by way of in-kind and cash contributions.
https://www.pif.com.au/

Frontyard is located at 19 King Street, Melbourne.
It is a drop-in centre with no appointment or referral necessary. Young people or their advocate can also contact Frontyard directly on 03 9611 2411 or Freephone 1800 800 531 (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm and weekends 10am-6pm)

Out of hours: Please call the Salvation Army Crisis Line on 1800 627 727.
http://frontyard.org.au/

Stephen Cummins
Stephen Cummins