YP Space purchases caravan park in Kempsey to support vulnerable youths

The not-for-profit organisation located on the Mid North Coast, works in the Kempsey and Port Macquarie LGAs, providing support and accommodation to children and young people.

Current statistics show that around 300 youths are homeless across the Mid North Coast, either in shelters, couch surfing or sleeping on the streets.

YP Space executive officer, Caleb Rose, said they are very happy with the purchase.

"This project has been in response to the housing crisis and the price of rentals. We are purchasing it for the young homeless or at risk of homeless people aged 16 - 25 in Kempsey, as a transition from refuges and out of home care," Mr Rose said.

"We have bought 10 cabins that are flood affected in Port Macquarie that are getting moved up there, and we have space to have potentially up to 25 cabins."

The cabins will undergo maintenance and refurbishment work, and are set to be installed in the coming weeks.

Outreach manager at YP Space, Deb Tougher said this project has been a priority for them.

"This has been in the works for months. We realised that there is a shortage of affordable housing for our young people," Ms Tougher said.

"To be able to offer up to 25 accommodation options in Kempsey, that is close to everything, is just amazing, and we are all so excited to get it up and running."

The organisation will be relocating their offices onto the site, and will hire a caretaker and security guards to manage the property.

The cabins will be available for medium-term accommodation and each applicant will have to go through a risk assessment process to be eligible to live on the property.

YP Space has started a naming competition for the site, and is encouraging anyone from the public to provide their suggestions. The best name will be the winner of a brand new Inner Vision Skateboard deck. You can find more details at their Facebook page.

Also they are looking for volunteers to help assist in some of the clearing and handiwork during the renovation period. If you can lend a hand, feel free to contact the team on 6563 1230.

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