Four Strive students from Year 9 were recently invited to visit Liliah Haven, a Rockingham-based service that offers transitional accommodation for single women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, and who are without safe or stable housing. This invitation came after Liliah Haven’s manager, Jenny van der Sand, attended the Strive Expo in Term 2 and was deeply impressed by the students’ proposed solution to homelessness.
The students’ project, showcased at the Strive Expo, involved creating a designated space in Rockingham where homeless individuals could safely camp and access essential resources. Their plan included providing temporary housing in cost-effective and flexible tents, alongside vital services such as counselling, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and job support. The concept was designed to offer families a secure environment until they could transition into long-term housing.
During their visit to Liliah Haven, the students presented their solution to the staff and contributed to discussions on the facility’s expansion plans. Jenny van der Sand praised the students for their innovative thinking and confirmed that many of their ideas would be incorporated into Liliah Haven’s future expansion proposal, for which they are currently seeking funding.
This collaboration highlights the powerful impact young minds can have on social issues and underscores the importance of community involvement in finding creative solutions to homelessness.