Foundation for Homeless Youth

Posted by Roger Wilson 
 
Foundation for Homeless Youth 
 
In 1998 the Rotary Club of Oakleigh sponsored a project to provide housing for homeless youth. As a result of this the above Foundation was created and 15 houses were constructed on land provided by the State Government. Construction costs were arranged by 13 Rotary Clubs via direct club contributions, external foundations, trusts, RSL clubs and other donors, donations of building material with labour provided by TAFEs at Box Hill and Holmesglen. Past President John Francis was this Club’s member on the Foundation board until his retirement from Rotary and John sourced donations of building materials and external donations to allow our club to construct two houses, one in Box Hill South and one in Vermont South.
 
Over time the needs of homeless youth has changed and due to increased cases of drug dependence and mental issues the houses constructed are no longer considered suitable and the Department of Human Services (DHS) now only house two individuals in single units.
 
Over the past 3 years the board of the Foundation has sought to negotiate a settlement with the DHS whereby the Foundation would received funds in settlement for their equity in the 15 houses with DHS taking full possession of the properties as DHS housing stock for use to assist house disadvantaged families and single mothers.
 
After payment of GST and other costs the Foundation now holds $950,000 on Bank deposit, in net settlement for its equity in the 15 houses. In terms of the Foundation’s Deed of Settlement any funds available on winding up must be applied in terms of the Foundations documented purpose:-
To provide medium to long term accommodation “in Victoria” for young people who are homeless by reason of destitution/social factors such as poverty, distress, misfortune, helplessness, without discrimination.
 
Nine entities involved in providing services to homeless youth and several Rotary Districts were invited to tender projects to utilise the net equity and thus allow the Foundation to be wound up. Five entities responded, none being Rotary Districts. Assisted by an external assessor, the Foundation’s board considered the tenders and in the end awarded the funds to two projects:-
  • Anglicare, St Luke’s division, for the purchase of two properties to house young people in need, particularly pregnant young women or young mothers who are homeless or living in out-of-home care.
  • Vincent Care Victoria, for the purchase of a house or two units for accommodation for young people that are leaving out-of-home care to support them to transition into other forms of accommodation.
Each of the parties has agreed to appropriate naming and/or signage recognising the input of Rotary International and individual contributing Rotary Clubs. The Foundation will now go through the legal process to complete a formal winding up.