This is about to change for some local youth, thanks to the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria and the Kids Under Cover charity.

Kids Under Cover was started by Ken Morgan, OAM, in 1991 in  response to the Senate National Inquiry into Youth Homelessness. 

Mr Morgan set about convincing members of the building industry that a relocatable house should  be constructed. Not only that, it needed to be done for free.

CIAV chief executive officer Rob Lucas took up the challenge and members donated their time and material for the project. 

Mr Lucas said: ‘‘The KUC Program is a key initiative in making a significant change to the lives of young people who, without this program, face life without hope.

‘‘In my discussions across the region, the number of children (youth) living off the street, in halfway houses or couch surfing is growing along with the need to support them.

‘‘The aim is to get young kids off the streets, living safely and securely,’’ Mr Lucas said.

‘‘The relocatable studios provide the young their own space and they can still be connected with a family.’’

Kids Under Cover national chief executive Jo Swift said in the last independent program evaluation report by The Nous Group, it was found that there was a 330% return on investment in the studio program.

‘‘This means that for every dollar invested in a Kids Under Cover studio, on average $3.30 is saved by society in the form of reduced health and justice costs, and flow-on economic benefits.

‘‘In conjunction with CAFS, we  have installed a total 13 studio projects so far in Hepburn,’’ Ms Swift said.

To help with the growing demand for the units, the CIAV is raffling a five-star family caravan at this year’s Melbourne Leisurefest Sandown Racecourse.

To help raise money for more relocatables in this area, call 93725388 to order tickets.