For a young person experiencing homelessness, finding somewhere safe to sleep is only the beginning of their journey.
Healing from complex trauma requires more than a roof over their head. It requires safety, trusted relationships, and a sense of belonging. For many young people, remaining connected to their culture, identity and community is an essential part of that healing.
That’s why Lighthouse Foundation, in partnership with Pathways Melbourne, is proud to announce the official opening of Orly House — a culturally responsive therapeutic home for Jewish young people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Melbourne.
Built on Lighthouse Foundation’s evidence-informed Model of Care and developed in close collaboration with Pathways Melbourne, Orly House provides far more than safe accommodation. It offers a therapeutic home where young people can recover from trauma while remaining connected to their culture, traditions and community.
Homelessness can affect every community
Youth homelessness can affect young people from every culture or faith. Yet within close-knit communities, experiences of homelessness can remain hidden, even though the underlying causes are often the same.
The leading drivers of youth homelessness in Australia include:
- Family violence and family breakdown
- Housing affordability and financial hardship
- Mental health challenges and gaps in support
Read more about the systemic drivers of youth homelessness here.
For Jewish young people experiencing family violence, trauma or homelessness, seeking support can also mean fearing the loss of connection to their identity, faith and community.
Recognising this gap, Pathways Melbourne identified the need for a specialised response. It is estimated that at least 37 Jewish young people aged 12–24 in Victoria experience homelessness or marginal housing each year, with many facing the impossible choice between finding safety and maintaining connection to the community that shapes who they are.
No young person should have to make that choice.
Orly House: Culturally Responsive Therapeutic Care for Jewish Young People
Orly House is a dedicated therapeutic home supporting Jewish young people aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing homelessness, family breakdown, trauma or unsafe living environments.
Guided by Lighthouse Foundation’s trauma-informed, attachment-focused Model of Care, the home provides safe, stable accommodation alongside therapeutic relationships that help young people move beyond survival and towards long-term healing.
Pathways Melbourne brings deep expertise in supporting Jewish young people and families, ensuring every aspect of the home reflects both therapeutic best practice and cultural understanding.
Together, Lighthouse Foundation and Pathways Melbourne have created a home where young people can access the support they need while remaining connected to their traditions and culture in ways that feel personal and meaningful.
Alongside therapeutic care, young people are supported to develop life skills, engage in education, strengthen community connections and build the confidence needed for independent living.
The home also provides culturally responsive support that reinforces each young person’s sense of identity. This includes a kosher household environment, Jewish spiritual support, opportunities for cultural connection, and access to Jewish mentors and community networks.
Lighthouse Foundation CEO Brenda Boland said:
“Orly House brings together therapeutic care and cultural understanding to create a safe, supported environment where young people feel connected, valued and understood during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. This partnership demonstrates the powerful impact of bringing together community and specialist services to support vulnerable young people.”
Celebrating the Opening of Orly House
Orly House was officially opened during a special gathering held within the home, bringing together partners, supporters and community leaders who helped make the project possible.
Guests heard from Lighthouse Foundation CEO Brenda Boland, Pathways Melbourne CEO Leah Boulton, Caulfield Grammar School Principal Ashleigh Martin, and Mark Stracey, Executive Director of Homelessness and Housing Support at Homes Victoria.
The occasion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria and Patron-in-Chief of Lighthouse Foundation.
Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Pathways Melbourne Founder and CEO Leah Boulton said:
“After years of hard work, Orly House is finally open. For too long, young Jewish people facing homelessness or abuse, who cannot safely live at home, have had to choose between safety and community. Orly House has changed that.”
We are deeply grateful to Homes Victoria for its investment in, and belief in, this project. Your support is helping create a safe, therapeutic home where young people can access the stability, relationships and care they need to heal.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Caulfield Grammar School for its extraordinary generosity and long-standing partnership with Lighthouse Foundation. The donation of this home has made Orly House possible, creating a lasting legacy for vulnerable young people and ensuring more can access the safety and therapeutic care they deserve.
Expanding Support Through Culturally Responsive Kinship Care
Orly House represents an important step, but it is only part of our shared commitment to supporting Jewish children, young people and families.
Alongside residential therapeutic care, Lighthouse Foundation and Pathways Melbourne are delivering a culturally responsive Family Support Program for Jewish kinship carers through Lighthouse’s evidence-informed Model of Care.
At the heart of the program is our Hub Home, a welcoming place where children, young people and carers can access support, strengthen relationships and build a sense of community.
Through regular social gatherings, learning opportunities and shared activities, families and carers come together to connect, reflect and support one another. These relationships help create a strong network of care around each young person, a true village of support and a home away from home.
Learn more about our Family Support Program here.
Supporting Jewish Young People Beyond Homelessness
No young person should have to choose between safety and staying connected to their culture, identity or community.
Orly House represents a new chapter in youth homelessness support, one that recognises healing happens through trusted relationships, stable homes and a genuine sense of belonging.
Through the partnership between Lighthouse Foundation and Pathways Melbourne, more Jewish young people will have access to the therapeutic care, stability and cultural connection they need to heal, grow and thrive.
