Welcome to Viv’s Place, an Australian-first apartment building dedicated to providing safe, permanent housing for at-risk women and children. Situated in Dandenong, Viv’s Place is a beacon of hope for families escaping family violence and homelessness, offering not just a home but a nurturing community with comprehensive support services on-site.
Viv’s Place combines beautifully designed, permanent housing with round-the-clock support services to create a fresh start for over 60 women and 140 children. The building features 60 dual key apartments, communal kitchen, living spaces, children's play areas, offices, community gardens, and family-specific services. This integrated approach ensures that families have everything they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive.
The creation of Viv’s Place was made possible through the collaboration of Launch Housing, Uniting Vic Tas, generous donors, and the Victorian Government. The total project cost of $30 million was significantly supported by a community of passionate philanthropic donors, who contributed over 40 percent of the funding. Initial donations came from organisations like the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, and the Shine on Foundation. Subsequent support from the Gandel Foundation, the Ian Potter Foundation, and many generous individuals and families ensured the project's success.
Inspired by a highly successful model in Broadway, New York, which has been supporting thousands of people out of homelessness for over 30 years, Viv’s Place aims to replicate this success in Australia. By providing a solid base and access to essential services, women can find stability, foster a healthy family environment, and create new futures for their children, who will be supported to stay in school and reach their full potential.
The need for safe, supportive housing is critical, especially with family violence being the leading cause of homelessness in Australia. Viv’s Place serves as a pioneering model, demonstrating the social and economic value of permanent housing combined with comprehensive support services. Our hope is that Viv’s Place will inspire further investment nationally, leading to the replication of this effective model and addressing the risk of homelessness for many more women and young children suffering from domestic violence.
Viv’s Place is more than a building; it's a lifeline for families in need. We invite you to join us in our mission to end homelessness and provide a safe, supportive environment for women and children. Your support can make a lasting impact on vulnerable families, helping them find stability and create a brighter future.
Together, we can end homelessness.
