Orly House opens to shelter Jewish youth in crisis

A culturally responsive therapeutic home for Jewish young people facing homelessness has officially opened in Melbourne, with its first resident already living in and more referrals than there are rooms to fill.

Orly House, a partnership between Pathways Melbourne and the Lighthouse Foundation, opened on Tuesday to provide a safe home for young people aged 16 to 25 who cannot safely live with their parents.

The home offers therapeutic care while maintaining connection to Jewish culture, identity and community, including a kosher household and access to Jewish spiritual support.

Pathways Melbourne director of programs Dassi Erlich, a longstanding advocate for survivors and vulnerable young people, said demand was already outstripping capacity.

“We know that we already have more referrals than there are rooms here, and we will need a second house,” she said.