Hope Street First Response Youth Service Refuge Whittlesea featuring landscaped gardens, outdoor seating, and a welcoming entrance courtyard.

Hope Street First Response Youth Service Refuge, Whittlesea

The largest purpose-built facility for Hope Street Youth and Family Services, this refuge provides supported emergency crisis accommodation and wrap around services for individuals and young families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. It’s also the base for the charity’s Youth Mobile Outreach Service, attending to Melbourne’s northern growth corridors.

By creating a non-institutional environment, the design fosters dignity and a sense of belonging that is essential for rebuilding trust and confidence in a time of crisis. The design enhances this benefit through spatial strategies that prioritise comfort, accessibility and inclusivity. Biophilic and Trauma informed design principles, promote mental well-being and reduce stress, further supporting recovery

Location
Whittlesea
Country
Wurundjeri
Client
Hope Street Youth and Family Services
Type
Community
Photography
Marnie Hawson
Styling
Hannah Nowlan

Awards

  • Shortlist — 2025 INDE. Awards, The Influencer
Landscaped courtyard with outdoor seating, garden planting, and private accommodation arranged around a shared open space.
Exterior view of the refuge featuring landscaped gardens, outdoor seating, and connected accommodation buildings.
Shared kitchen and dining area with seating, cooking facilities, and spaces for residents to connect and spend time together.
Communal dining space with a large table, natural light, and flexible areas for shared meals and group activities.
Comfortable lounge area with seating, children's activities, and a welcoming space for young people and families.
Indoor breakout space with semi-private seating areas and quiet zones for relaxation, conversation, or reflection.
Office workspace with desks, computers, and natural light supporting staff and support services.

The centre and landscaping provide an exemplary purpose driven space for young people and young families to begin their recovery and journey out of acute homelessness and a better future.

CEO
Hope Street First Response Youth Service Whittlesea
Private bedroom with a bed, bassinet, and calming furnishings creating a comfortable residential setting.
Private study area with a desk, chair, and natural light providing a quiet space for work or study.
Accessible bathroom with a freestanding bath, natural light, and calming finishes designed for comfort and wellbeing.
Exterior view of the refuge featuring landscaped gardens, low-rise buildings, and private outdoor spaces for residents.
Landscaped outdoor area with walking paths, garden planting, and shared open spaces surrounding the accommodation buildings.
Shared courtyard with landscaped gardens, seating, walking paths, and accommodation buildings arranged around a central open space.
Person walking through a landscaped garden with pathways, planting, and private outdoor spaces for residents.
Landscaped communal garden with accessible pathways, lawn areas, and outdoor spaces for recreation and relaxation.