The Nest: Solid Foundations launched

The site features three independent units designed to provide safe, stable housing for three vulnerable young mothers and their children.

Guests enjoyed morning tea while hearing from The Bridge Youth Service chief executive Melinda Lawley, Property and Industry Foundation chief executive Kate Mills and Women’s Property Initiatives chief executive Roberta Buchanan, who helped bring The Nest to life.

Ms Lawley reflected on The Bridge’s long-standing commitment to supporting young people.

“The idea of purchasing land and raising funds to build much-needed accommodation for young mothers experiencing homelessness was born in 2020,” she said.

“This project is about more than just housing — it’s about stability, opportunity and breaking the cycles of disadvantage.

“The Nest ensures that young mums can focus on parenting, personal growth and building a strong foundation for the future.”

The Nest is a joint effort between The Bridge, WPI and the Property and Industry Foundation, which combined their expertise in youth services, social housing and industry-backed fundraising.

Ms Buchanan recognised the importance of providing young women with safe and secure housing.

“The Nest ensures that these mothers can access not just a home, but a network of support to help them move forward with their lives,” she said.

Ms Mills thanked the generosity of funders and volunteers who made the project possible.

“This is a true testament to what can happen when industries, charities and communities come together,” she said.

The Nest goes beyond providing shelter — it’s an early intervention model designed to break the cycles of disadvantage and create lasting change.

Young mothers who live at The Nest will have access to The Bridge Youth Service’s support program, Solid Foundations, which includes parenting and life skills development, education and employment support, budgeting and tenancy skills, and emotional literacy and mental health support.

Each resident will have up to three years in the program before moving to independent living, to make space for more mothers in need.

“The Nest means three young mums won’t be experiencing homelessness,” Ms Lawley said.

“Three children won’t be growing up in unstable housing. And three more Bridge Youth Service workers won’t have to search for safe, affordable housing in an impossible rental market.

“This is just the beginning.

“The Nest is a model we can build upon, proving that when communities come together, we can create real, lasting change for young people.”