An innovative housing project in Adelaide’s south has been designed to support young people transitioning out of the child protection and family support system.
The Tiny Homes Campus is a $3 million collaboration between the Malinauskas Government and community housing provider Junction, featuring 10 purpose-built, self-contained pods for young people aged 16 to 18. The project aims to provide safe, affordable housing while fostering independence as residents approach adulthood.
Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said Marltarra (Junction’s Tiny Homes Campus) was largely born out of “what we were hearing from the children and young people we work with” combined with best practice examples and evidence.
“From the time they are 11 or 12, many young people in our care are asking – what happens to me? They don’t have a family home to fall back-on.” The housing crisis has made what was already overwhelming situation, even worse.
“This Campus is a game-changer. It gives young people the chance to live in a safe and supportive environment and pursue study or employment to set themselves up for the future,” she shared.
The one-bedroom pods, each covering approximately 17 square metres, include a bedroom, kitchenette, living area, built-in modular furniture, storage, a study nook, and large windows. Set within an open green space, the campus also includes communal areas for learning and social connection.
“We’ve taken a vacant piece of land and transformed it into a really innovative space. These well-designed, well-equipped, and compact tiny homes are just the start. It’s also about the community we are creating here.”
Located near public transport and key education facilities such as TAFE and Flinders University, the campus is designed to ensure accessibility to vital resources and opportunities. Junction staff will provide on-site support and run programs to assist residents in building life skills and confidence.
The project is located on land owned by the SA Housing Trust and leased by Junction. The pods have been designed to reflect a modern, sustainable approach to housing.
Junction is a social enterprise supporting around 10,000 South Australians each year through housing and a range of community services including child protection, homelessness and domestic violence support. The organisation also manages two thriving community centres at Hackham and on Kangaroo Island. With a strong focus on the creation of affordable housing, Junction plans to build 2000 homes over the next five years. This includes construction, now underway, of a $68 million development and services hub in the heart of Tonsley’s innovation district.
If you’d like to get involved with Junction, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and help out. They also welcome donations via their GiveNow account, or by calling them directly on (08) 8203 5700.
To find out more, click here.
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