PAYTON. FOUNDATION. CHANGING LIVES.

Located in the old Army Barracks in Mt Martha, Fusion provide the only housing service on the Mornington Peninsula, available to young people (15-21) experiencing homelessness.

The live-in mentors provide a sense of stability and a family like environment for young people to begin to heal and uncover the best version of themselves. During their stay, residents learn life skills such as: cooking, maintaining a household, budgeting and time management.

Part of their program is to connect residents to networks in the community, based on the philosophy that all people have a fundamental need for community and purpose.

By providing early interventions to youth within our program, Fusion seeks to address many issues that trigger long-term homelessness.

Fusion also run a number of youth programs and camps; developing resilience, self-confidence, identity and addressing social issues such as: inclusive and diverse communities, home and belonging, conflict resolution, Aboriginal reconciliation, refugees and asylum seekers and many more.

One of their most powerful camps is the annual Pilgrimage to Uluru.

Tonight, more than 116,000 Australians are experiencing homelessness. 42% are under the age of 25.

Evidence also shows that if you experience homelessness in your youth, you are far more likely to experience it in your adult life.

The team at Fusion are ensuring that young people are housed, supported and empowered to become functioning members of society, withstanding the challenges of life.

Their model helps young people to thrive, ensuring their experience of homelessness doesn’t define their future.

This work relies on the generosity of our community and the commitment of their full-time volunteer staff, who have given everything to care for these young people.

We are partnering with the Fusion team to realise their vision of a Fusion Village; short- medium stay accommodation for young mums and their children experiencing homelessness. We are looking for people willing to donate labour or finances to help ensure these families have a place to call home.

1. Hot water upgrade – $20,000
   Fusion operates out of an old army barracks and desperately needs to upgrade their hot water service. The old system is temperamental, showers can be cold or lukewarm.
2. House and support a young person experiencing homelessness – $90 per night
   A home is more than a roof over your head. Provide everything they need to thrive.
3. Support a young person to get their license – $60 per driving lesson
   Strengthen their employability and independence by helping them learn to drive.
4. Help a family thrive – $500 per family
   Fusions Families Course teaches parents how to establish a family with healthy values and firm and loving boundaries. Family mentoring allows one on one time with a parent, listening and talking through daily challenges and coming up with ways forward together.