In a move that has stunned both the sporting world and the social services sector, Collingwood’s key defender Darcy Moore has announced a personal investment of A$4.6 million to purchase and convert multiple homes into safe shelters for unhoused youth across Victoria.
A Vision Beyond Football
Moore, already well known for his leadership on the AFL field, revealed plans this morning in a press conference held at Collingwood’s community center. The “Moore Than a Home” project will renovate existing houses — many in inner‑city Melbourne suburbs — into transitional housing units specifically for vulnerable young people aged 16 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
The shelters will include:
Private or shared bedrooms with secure lockable access
Communal kitchen, dining, and living spaces
On‑site counselling and mental health support
Academic, vocational training, and life skill coaching
Partnership with local NGOs for wrap‑around care and case management
Moore said, “A roof is just the start — we want dignity, opportunity, and stability. These young people deserve a real chance.” He also noted the investment covers purchase, renovation, operational reserves (for the first 2–3 years), and seed funding for staffing.
Reactions and Partnerships
The announcement has drawn praise from various quarters:
Collingwood Football Club issued a statement calling Moore’s initiative “an extraordinary act of social conscience” and pledged assistance via the Collingwood Foundation for logistical support.
Housing and homelessness advocates welcomed the move, noting that youth homelessness is a growing crisis in Victoria, particularly in Melbourne, where public and crisis housing waitlists remain long.
State officials indicated interest in collaborating — including possible grants, fast‑tracking of planning approvals, and linking with existing youth services.
Challenges Ahead
While the initiative is bold, it faces practical challenges:
Zoning and regulation: Residential-to-community facility conversions often trigger council development approvals, which can be slow and contested.
Sustainability: After Moore’s initial investment, funding streams must be found (donations, government co‑funding, philanthropic grants) to maintain staffing, utilities, maintenance, and support services.
Scaling: The pilot project may host only a few dozen youth initially; expansion would require further capital and partnerships.
Evaluation and outcome measurement: Ensuring that youth transition successfully into independent living, employment, or stable housing is vital — not just providing a roof.
Context: A Broader Crisis
This initiative comes amid rising concerns over youth homelessness in Australia. According to recent reports, thousands of people aged 15‑24 access homelessness services every year, and many “hidden homeless” avoid shelters. � States and NGOs have long called for dedicated youth housing, tailored supports, and policy reforms.
ABC
Collingwood itself has experience in the space: its Magpie Nest program (in partnership with the Salvation Army) operates housing and wrap‑around services for vulnerable adults, and the club has previously committed millions through its foundation to housing vulnerable people.
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