In partnership with the Charnwood Parish, Marymead CatholicCare, a trusted local Community Housing Provider (CHP), is proposing an innovative housing model to support young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in our community. 

The proposal includes a small, well-managed residential setting designed specifically for young people aged 16–19. The development comprises: 

• Ten 1-bedroom self-contained supportive housing units for single young people who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness 

• One 1-bedroom on-site support staff unit, staffed 24/7 on a rotating roster 

• A community building with shared cooking, laundry, consultation and leisure spaces, supporting residents to develop essential life skills and self-sufficiency. Landscaping throughout the site, including a central open space and planted surrounds to support wellbeing and connection 

• Perimeter fencing to ensure the safety, privacy and security of residents and neighbours 

• Parking provided to support site operations, with scope for shared or flexible use as needed.  

The proposal is focused on providing more than just housing; it is about creating a safe, supportive place where young people can build skills, stability and a pathway to long-term accommodation, contributing to a stronger and more inclusive local community. 

The proposal has been shaped by a growing recognition of the housing challenges facing Canberra, particularly the increasing number of young people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.  

Marymead CatholicCare, as the social services arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn have a long-standing commitment to social justice and community support. In response to rising housing need and limited availability of suitable land, the organisation is seeking to use Church-owned land in a way that delivers clear community benefit. 

By partnering with experienced local organisations, the proposal leverages existing Church assets, strong governance and on-the-ground expertise to help deliver a practical, compassionate response to youth homelessness. The focus is on providing not just housing but improved long-term outcomes for vulnerable young people through stability, support and pathways to independence.

The program will support young people aged 16–19 years who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Participation will be contingent on engagement in education or employment, reinforcing pathways to stability, independence and long-term wellbeing. 

Marymead CatholicCare will work collaboratively with local youth and homelessness service providers to receive and assess referrals for the program, ensuring participants are appropriately supported and connected to relevant services. 

Yes. Residents will be required to pay rent, consistent with the principles of supported and transitional housing. Rent will be set at a below-market level to ensure affordability, while also helping residents build budgeting skills and prepare for longer-term, independent living. The exact rent levels will be determined closer to operation and will consider residents’ individual circumstances and income. 

Charging rent is an important part of the model, as it supports dignity, responsibility and readiness for future housing, while ensuring the program remains sustainable over time. 

The proposal has been designed with a focus on providing young people with safe, stable housing alongside structured support to help them build independence and transition into long-term accommodation. To this end the proposal: 

• Provides self-contained homes that support privacy, dignity and personal responsibility 

• Includes 24/7 on-site support from experienced youth and social workers 

• Uses a small, well-managed site layout that promotes safety, clear sightlines and passive supervision 

• Incorporates a Community Hub where staff and residents can come together to learn independent living skills, participate in cooking classes, access study support and use shared laundry facilities, fostering daily routines, social connection and life‑skills development. 

• Creates a calm, inclusive environment that supports wellbeing, learning and positive behaviour 

At the same time, the proposal has been deliberately designed as a transitional housing model, not permanent accommodation. Residents are supported to stay for a defined period while they: 

• Engage in education, training or employment 

• Develop practical life skills and independence 

• Build confidence and stability 

• Prepare for the next step into longer-term housing 

The overall intent is to provide a supportive stepping stone - a stable home where young people can reset, grow and move forward, rather than an open-ended or institutional form of accommodation.

West Belconnen currently has no services for young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The site has been chosen because it is well located, with immediate access to transport, services and a strong community context. It sits directly opposite the Charnwood shops and a local bus stop, giving residents access to everyday amenities, public transport and employment opportunities. It is also in close proximity to local high schools and colleges, supporting access to education and strengthening pathways to stability and independence. Parks, recreation facilities, walking and cycling paths are also nearby, further supporting an active and connected lifestyle. 

Importantly, the site does not interface with existing residential homes. Instead, it is bounded by: 

• Lhotsky Street to the north 

• A public pedestrian walkway and adjoining strip of reserve land to the east, adjacent to the West Belconnen Ambulance and Fire Station 

• Ginninderra Drive to the south 

• The existing church, the Parish of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, to the west.  

This setting allows the development to operate as a small, self-contained and well-managed site. The site currently benefits from existing screening along the road and public walkway, although some vegetation in poor condition may need to be replaced as part of the proposed fence line, subject to arborist advice. Building materials, colours and siting will be carefully considered to ensure the development is respectful of its surroundings and responds sensitively to its interface with the adjoining church, recognising its ongoing role as a valued community facility.

The proposal includes purpose-designed, one-bedroom homes that prioritise comfort, privacy and a sense of pride for residents. 

Each unit will include: 

• A separate bedroom 

• A light and bright living and dining area 

• A kitchenette suitable for everyday use 

• A separate bathroom, rather than a studio layout 

• Thoughtfully designed storage and internal layouts.  

The decision to avoid studio-style accommodation is intentional to allow support workers to enter the unit when needed without intruding on personal sleeping space, thereby supporting both privacy and dignity for residents while maintaining appropriate care and oversight. 

To the extent possible some of the units are being designed to Liveable Housing Australia (LHA) Silver Standard, to ensure they can accommodate a range of physical needs and provide flexibility over time. 

Inclusions, finishes and internal layouts are being carefully considered to create homes that feel comfortable, welcoming and well cared for, rather than temporary or institutional. The aim is for residents to feel a genuine sense of pride and belonging in their home, supporting wellbeing and positive outcomes.

The proposal has been designed to maintain and enhance local amenity values, with careful attention to building quality, landscaping and how the development relates to its surroundings. It includes high-quality, purpose-designed modular units, finished in durable materials such as Colorbond panelling and designed with aesthetics, longevity and comfort in mind. Just as importantly, careful attention has been given to how the buildings sit together and relate to their surroundings. 

Landscaping is a key element in anchoring the units to the site, helping ensure they feel embedded within their setting. The landscape design is being led by Made LA, a Canberra-based landscape architecture practice known for thoughtful, place-responsive design. Landscaping, outdoor spaces and boundary treatments are being carefully considered to soften the built form, establish a clear sense of arrival and create a cohesive overall environment that responds positively to the surrounding streets and public spaces.

The residential units are being supplied by Country Custom Buildings, a family-owned modular building company based in Gundaroo, just north of Canberra. Procuring the units locally supports regional businesses and reduces transport distances and associated impacts. 

Country Custom Buildings specialises in the design and construction of high-quality off-site manufactured units. The units proposed for this project will be purpose-designed to meet the needs of young people, rather than being standard or “off-the-shelf” products. 

The buildings are manufactured in a controlled workshop environment before being transported a short distance to site for installation. This approach allows for: 

• High construction quality and consistency 

• Reduced on-site construction time and disruption to neighbouring properties 

• Improved safety and environmental performance 

• Greater cost efficiency compared to traditional on-site construction. 

All units will comply with ACT planning and building requirements and will achieve a minimum 7-star energy rating, supporting comfortable, durable and sustainable homes for residents.