Viv’s Place is an Australian-first apartment building providing long-term housing and specialist support for women and children who have experienced family violence and are at risk of homelessness. Located in Dandenong in Melbourne’s south-east, construction of the Viv’s Place building was completed in July 2022. The building can house around 60 women and their children, including women escaping family violence, young women on Targeted Care Packages, and single women over 55.
At Viv’s Place, Launch Housing are responsible for tenancy and property management, a 24-hour concierge service for tenants, and developing partnerships with community organisations. Uniting are responsible for coordinating and providing tenants’ access to their suite of support services, including family violence case management, counselling and group work, NEWPIN (an intensive therapeutic approach to breaking cycles of abuse and neglect), and clinical psychological services.
Objectives
The purpose of this process evaluation was to capture lessons learnt in the design, construction, and early operation phases of Viv’s Place, and in doing so, generate insights that can be used to inform improvements and decision-making regarding future proposals or implementation processes.
Methodology
The evaluation draws upon relevant documentation and 21 interviews with key stakeholders involved in the design, construction, fundraising, operation and partnership development phases.
Outcomes
The report generated insights to inform improvements and decision-making to future proposals and projects, contributing toward Launch Housing’s mission to support disadvantaged Victorians and to end homelessness.
