Program tackling Melbourne’s Jewish homeless youth

Lighthouse Foundation and Pathways Melbourne have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at tackling homelessness and trauma among Jewish youth in Victoria.

The alliance focuses on delivering culturally sensitive support services to young people facing homelessness, abuse, or family estrangement, with an emphasis on maintaining their cultural connection even when they cannot remain with their birth families.

For more than three decades, Lighthouse Foundation has been at the forefront of transforming the lives of vulnerable youth through its evidence-based Lighthouse Model of Care, which emphasises building therapeutic relationships within safe, nurturing environments. Meanwhile, Pathways Melbourne has a long history of supporting Jewish adults exploring their faith and lifestyle choices, and in 2025, it is expanding its remit to include vulnerable Jewish youth and their families.

As part of this initiative, the partnership will establish the Lighthouse Home, Orly House—a safe haven designed to offer trauma-informed and culturally relevant care. The program aims to serve Jewish children and teenagers at crisis points, especially those at risk of running away or living in unsafe conditions, with latest research indicating that around 37 Victorian Jewish youth aged 12 to 24 experience homelessness or insecure housing annually.

“More than just providing shelter, this alliance is about creating a nurturing environment where Jewish youth can rebuild their lives and reconnect with their community,” said Dassi Erlich, Youth & Family Programs Manager at Pathways Melbourne. “Had this support been available earlier, my childhood experience might have been different.”

Funded entirely through philanthropy, the partnership arrives at a pivotal moment amid rising concerns about youth homelessness driven by safety issues, mental health challenges, and familial difficulties. Susan Barton, founder and director of Lighthouse Foundation, highlighted the importance of culturally appropriate care, stating, “Our goal is to offer vulnerable Jewish youth the support they need, respecting their cultural and religious identities every step of the way.”

Once established, Orly House will provide tailored, trauma-responsive care, with plans to expand services to include carer support programs—helping families access Lighthouse’s training and advocacy services to ensure children remain in safe, loving, and culturally aligned homes.

Support from donors remains vital. The initiative’s initial funding has come from community philanthropic foundations, and organizers are now calling on the wider community to help meet their fundraising goals. For more information or to contribute, inquiries can be directed to Leah Boulton at [email protected] or Michelle Michie at [email protected].