Ladder is a joint venture between the AFL Players’ Association and AFL Foundation, and forms an important part of the AFL industry’s portfolio of community activities.

 

Ladder is an integrated program designed to support homeless youth by providing stable, secure accommodation with social and emotional support, vocational training, health and fitness, and pathways to independent living.

 

The Department of Human Services (DHS), Yarra Community Housing and Melbourne Citymission are partners with Ladder in this first project.

 

Ladder Hoddle Street will accommodate 21 young people in self-contained units, 12 of whom will be participating in the program. Participants will be drawn from the Melbourne community through referrals assessed and supported by Melbourne Citymission.

 

“Ladder was created from the desire by AFL players to find a way to support disadvantaged young people,” says Mark Bolton, Ladder General Manager. “We worked closely with the Department of Human Services to develop the original concept and with the launch of Ladder Hoddle Street this is the first step in our plans for a national program.”

 

One of the unique aspects of Ladder is that it includes a mentoring program involving AFL players (past and present) and elite female athletes from several sporting codes.

 

“As part of Ladder, a number of athletes will be trained as mentors and play an on-going role in working with program participants,” says Mr. Bolton. “Other athletes will be involved in activities based on their off-field interests and qualifications such as fitness programs and cooking/nutrition classes.”

 

As a major partner in Ladder Hoddle Street, the Victorian State Government has contributed $4.4m and has played a seminal role in the project. In contributing funds to the project as well as developing a method for young homeless people to access affordable rental housing, Housing Minister Richard Wynne says Ladder is another step towards meeting the Government’s commitment to reducing homelessness, particularly amongst such a vulnerable group.

 

 “On any given night in Victoria, it is estimated that more than 20,500 people are homeless. It is confronting to learn that around 21 percent of these people are aged between 12 and 18,” says Minister Wynne. “Ladder is working towards stamping out youth homelessness and the Victorian Government is proud to be a partner. The program is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when we all put our heads together.”

 

Yarra Community Housing, the owner and developer of the building and one of Victoria’s eight registered housing associations, has contributed $1.4m to the project. This will be the first YCH building that will exclusively house tenants under 25 years of age.

 

“This is a very positive addition to Yarra’s portfolio. The facility and the level of support the tenants will receive is an outstanding service for the community,” says Rob Leslie, CEO of Yarra Community Housing. “The building is ideal for the purposes of the program and in addition to fully furnished accommodation, has internet access, common areas, a rooftop garden, office space, a communal laundry, and a seminar room.”

 

Service partner Melbourne Citymission – Victoria’s largest youth homelessness provider – will provide support services to Ladder participants. This work will include assessment of potential participants, life skills programs, individually-tailored support plans, case management, counselling and assistance with employment, education and training.

 

“Melbourne Citymission has specialist expertise in youth homelessness and a reputation for innovation and partnership. In working with Ladder, Melbourne Citymission has found yet another way to extend its role in providing integrated and coordinated responses to young people that provide opportunities to realise their full potential and end their homelessness,” says Melbourne Citymission CEO, Anne Turley.

 

AFL Players’ Association President Joel Bowden said it was a proud and satisfying day for all AFL players, to see the realization of a long worked towards goal.

 

“More than ever, AFL players are connecting with the communities that so deeply support them. Ladder Hoddle Street has been three years in the making and has grown out of the commitment and passion of a number of people, not the least Mark Bolton whose dedication to the cause has been outstanding.”