Supporting better futures through the Lead Tenant program
The Lead Tenant program is a Victorian Government initiative designed to provide young people (16 – 21 years) with stable and supportive housing. Lead Tenants are volunteers who live with young people in a property in exchange for fully subsidised rent and utilities.
As a ‘live-in youth mentor’, Lead Tenants are supported by Meli staff and provided with training and 24/7 on call assistance when needed. The program is a way to support young people who can’t live at home and need to start working towards living independently. Lead Tenants:
- provide guidance and encouragement to help a young person develop independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning and managing routines.
- act as a role model to enhance communication and self-awareness skills to sustain a positive living environment.
- support young people with challenging and complex issues by providing day-to-day emotional support
- monitor the safety and well-being of young people in the household.
- move into a shared property for 12 – 24 months in exchange for fully subsidised rent and utilities.
- are required, in liaison with Meli, to ensure house rules are maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Young people entering the tenancy program come from a variety of backgrounds, some may have experience of homelessness and/or transitioning from residential care programs. This next step offers young people the freedom of living away from ‘parents’ or ‘carers’ but still having some support with case management, mentoring, life skills and community integration.
Before entering a lead tenant property, each person undergoes a case managed, referral and matching process. This ensures that each young person is well-considered and enters an appropriate accommodation model matching their needs.
Young people within the program are actively working towards or are actively engaged in employment, education or training.
The role would suit those who have a genuine interest in the wellbeing of adolescent young people who may have challenging and complex issues. This role requires a person to have the maturity to lead by example, maintain professional boundaries, and demonstrate a positive and healthy routine.
Qualities we look for in our Lead Tenants include strong communication skills, enthusiasm, a flexible approach and a willingness to learn.
All Lead Tenants are required to undergo a Police Check and obtain a Working with Children Check.
- Fully subsidised rent and utilities
- Ongoing training and 24/7 support
- Professional supervision and guidance from an experienced Meli staff member
- Community connection with other Lead Tenants within the program
The Application Process
To express your interest in becoming a Lead Tenant, please provide a cover letter outlining your interest together with your resume to studentsandvolunteers@meli.org.au
Email studentsandvolunteers@meli.org.au
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