Building a Faith-Based Safe Future for Vulnerable Boys and Young Men in Victoria

A Residential Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Rehabilitation Hub (please ensure anyone who lands on our page, this will be the pop up that comes up)

A purpose-built, 24-hour supported residential program for boys and young men facing substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges.

Location

Melbourne, Victoria (site identification and planning underway)

Led by

Humanitarian Collective Ltd

Registered Australian charity

THE PROBLEM:

A Critical Gap in Youth Rehabilitation in Victoria

Across Melbourne and Victoria, boys and young men are falling through the cracks.

• Youth alcohol and other drug use is increasing in severity and complexity

• Hospital presentations, youth justice referrals, and school wellbeing alerts are rising

• Residential rehabilitation options for adolescents are extremely limited, and waitlists are extensive

• Culturally and faith-responsive services are scarce, if at all

• No muslim based drug rehab programs exist, this will be a one-of-its-kind, hoping to set the template for many more.

• Families are facing long waitlists or being told no service is available

For many families, the only options are crisis care, emergency departments, or justice involvement. Early intervention opportunities are being missed.

OUR RESPONSE:

A 24-Hour Residential Rehabilitation Hub Designed for Healing

Humanitarian Collective is developing a large-scale residential youth rehabilitation campus, converted from an existing warehouse into a safe, therapeutic environment.

Planned capacity

Up to 20 residents (to ensure council approval is faster, hoping to upscale the project once it is launched)

• 5-10 teenagers

• 5-10 adult males

Staged opening beginning with a smaller cohort

Length of stay

12 - 20 + week intensive residential program

Plus structured aftercare and follow-up support

This is a healing-first, youth-safe, clinically governed environment

WHO WE SERVE

Priority Populations

• Boys and young men aged approximately 12 and over

• Culturally and linguistically diverse families

• Refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds

• Justice-involved or justice-at-risk youth

• Young people with co-occurring mental health challenges

• Youth impacted by family violence, trauma, or social exclusion

Participation in any faith-based or pastoral elements will be voluntary, non-coercive, and fully child-safe.

OUR MODEL OF CARE

Integrated, Evidence-Based, Family-Centred

Our program is built on four integrated pillars:

Clinical care

• Comprehensive assessment and stabilisation

• AOD counselling and relapse prevention

• Trauma-informed therapy including CBT and DBT

• Mental health nursing and medical oversight

• Nutritional detoxification programs

• Food as medicine

• 12 + week Detoxification guided by our health and medical practitioners

• Clear pathways for withdrawal management via partner health services (to be disclosed shortly)

Psychosocial and developmental support

• Individual and group therapy

• Life skills and emotional regulation

• Nutrition and cooking education

• Exercise, sport, and movement programs

• Vocational and future pathways

A culturally responsive, values-informed, trauma-aware healing model with optional spiritual and pastoral supports. Education and family engagement based on the individuals’ religious identity.

• Onsite tutoring

• Family therapy and parent coaching

• Ongoing consent and involvement for minors

• Pastoral and cultural support

• Optional faith and pastoral care

• Cultural safety and identity support

• Community connection and belonging

SAFETY, GOVERNANCE, AND STANDARDS

Built to the Highest Expectations

This initiative is being designed from day one to meet the expectations of government, philanthropic, and community funders.

• Board-led governance and oversight

• Clinical governance and quality committees

• Full compliance with Victoria’s Child Safe Standards

• Working with Children Checks for all staff and volunteers

• Clear incident reporting, safeguarding, and complaints pathways

• Alignment with Victorian AOD program guidelines if government funding is pursued

This project will be audit-ready, transparent, and accountable as with all projects that Humanitarian Collective LTD has run.

THE FACILITY

From Warehouse to Healing Campus

The proposed site will be transformed into a purpose-designed residential campus including:

• Supervised living pods

• Clinical and counselling rooms

• Classrooms and learning spaces

• Commercial kitchen and dining areas

• Gym and exercise areas

• Secure outdoor spaces

• Controlled access and 24-hour supervision

Planning, zoning, and building approvals will be undertaken in line with Victorian planning and building regulations.

IMPACT AND OUTCOMES

What Success Looks Like

We will measure and report outcomes including:

• Program completion rates

• Reduction in substance use – post therapy statistics will be provided ongoing 5 + years.

• Improved mental health indicators

• School re-engagement

• Improved family functioning

• Reduced justice and hospital involvement

• Successful transition to community supports

Independent evaluation partnerships will be sought to ensure credibility and continuous improvement.

FUNDING THIS INITIATIVE

What We Are Seeking Support For

Capital establishment costs

Design, planning, construction, fit-out, safety systems, and equipment

Annual operating costs

Staffing, clinical services, education, catering, utilities, and program delivery

Funding sources

• Philanthropy and charitable grants

• Community donations and fundraising

• Corporate and business partnerships

• Ethical and compliant zakat and sadaqah contributions

• Government commissioning where appropriate

Transparent reporting and regular impact updates will be provided to all supporters.

Securing the Site and Commencing the Build

To progress this initiative from concept to delivery, Humanitarian Collective is seeking approximately $300,000 to secure a suitable warehouse property within the Hume City Council area and commence the initial establishment phase.

Based on current market analysis in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor, suitable warehouse properties capable of being converted to a supervised residential and community-care use typically attract annual lease costs in the range of $180,000 to $280,000, depending on size, location, zoning, and existing services. In addition to base rent, landlords commonly require bond, upfront rent, and outgoings, resulting in an initial site-securing cost of approximately $250,000 to $300,000.

Beyond leasing, early establishment costs include planning and design work, building classification advice, fire and safety assessments, accessibility upgrades, and initial fit-out works required to transition a warehouse from its existing industrial use to a compliant residential and therapeutic environment. These early works are essential to meet Victorian planning, building, child safety, and clinical governance requirements before residents can be accommodated.

The $300,000 funding target reflects a conservative and responsible estimate to:

• Secure a compliant warehouse under a long-term lease

• Fund planning, design, and regulatory approvals

• Ensure the site is safe, lawful, and ready for initial program delivery

This phased approach allows the program to open with a small cohort of up to 20 residents, demonstrate impact, and responsibly scale over time, while maintaining full compliance with council, safety, and safeguarding expectations

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Be Part of the Solution

Donate

Support the establishment of Victoria’s next major youth rehabilitation hub.

Partner

Corporate, philanthropic, and service partners are invited to collaborate.

Register interest

Families, referrers, professionals, and community members can stay informed as the project progresses.