Accommodation Services for Afghan refugees and asylum seekers
Our Commitment
Our dedicated volunteers are passionate about supporting Afghan refugees and asylum seekers who find themselves alone in Victoria. We provide vital emotional, cultural, and linguistic support, reaching out to vulnerable members of
the Afghan community to help them feel at home in a foreign land.
Supporting Afghan Youth in Crisis
The decision to open a supported accommodation service grew from our desire to address the housing crisis affecting homeless young people, particularly Afghan refugees. Sadly, many young Afghan refugees, lacking basic life skills, struggle with the overwhelming challenge of living alone in a large, unfamiliar city. This isolation often leads to substance misuse, mental health issues, depression, and in extreme cases, delinquency or even suicide.
The majority of unaccompanied Afghan asylum-seekers are aged between 20 and 30. Most have endured significant trauma before arriving in Australia, only to be met with the additional burden of adjusting to a new country, culture, and climate. The uncertainty surrounding their asylum status and separation from loved ones further amplifies their stress and anxiety. Without adequate support, these challenges can severely hinder their integration into Australian society.
Why VAYA?
Our extensive experience in community work and refugee support positions us as one of the most qualified organizations to provide this critical service. Sharing a socio-cultural background with these young people allows us to build
trust and rapport, becoming positive role models for them. This connection significantly reduces the risk of delinquency and the challenges associated with isolation and dislocation, enabling a smoother transition into Australian
life.