Hope Street Youth and Family Services Ltd. ("Hope Street")

Hope Street has a zero tolerance to all forms of violence including child abuse and is committed to creating safe communities which focus on the best interests of children and young people.

Aim

To assist young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by providing them with resources and services to realise their potential.

Objectives

To meet the organisational aim, Hope Street will:
1. Provide 'client focused' services within an empowerment model incorporating respect and confidentiality.

2. Provide clients with professional services in a non-threatening and secure environment, including, but not limited to:

- Accommodation, food, clothing;
- Personal, family and relationship counselling;
- Referrals to specialist services such as mental and general health, education, drug & alcohol services, etc;
- Information and advocacy to ensure young people access resources such as specialist services, full income entitlements, housing, legal, employment and training opportunities or other issues exacerbating their cycle of homelessness;
- Practical independent living skills, i.e. cooking, cleaning, budgeting, hygiene, nutrition, washing, etc.

3. Resource the needs of clients particularly in relation to housing and income security through collaboration with other services.

4. Provide data and research regarding young people and homelessness issues and causes in order to implement social change.

Vision, Mission & Principles

Hope Street Youth and Family Services Ltd ("Hope Street") based in the northern and western regions of Melbourne, is one of the longest established specialist youth homelessness services in Victoria.

As a leading player, with over 30 years experience in delivering responsive services to young people in local communities, Hope Street provides both strategically targeted and holistic programs for young people including young families. These programs incorporate the following:

- Short term supported emergency accommodation
- Outreach support for 16-25 year olds
- Youth reconciliation involving counselling and support for young people and families
- Advocacy, resource and referral services
- Independent family accommodation

The following statements guide and support their work with youth and families:

Vision

That society values and meets the needs and rights of young people.

Mission

To seek, advocate and facilitate social change to meet the needs of young people and their children. To empower young people to overcome disadvantage and to achieve their hopes and future goals.

Philosophy

Resolving homelessness is the responsibility of: federal, state and local governments; the community; families and individuals. Hope Street believes that young people have the right to safe, secure, affordable housing and to be treated as equal citizens in our society. This means equal access to resources, decision making and life options.

Values

Hope, empowerment, diversity, choices, interdependence, education, self determination, equality, non discrimination, respect, fairness, collaboration and social justice.

Standards

Evidence-based practices, strengths-based approaches, holistic client-centred responses, ethical and professional practice, safety, consistent and responsive service provision, industry standards and accountability to young people and their families, community, partners and supporters.

Purpose

Solid and sustainable outcomes to meet the needs of young people and their children who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Participation

Hope Street facilitates young people and other stakeholders to be involved in the decision-making processes of our organisation, including: policy development, program planning, delivery of services and evaluation.

Type of organization

Company Offices