Social

Supporting vulnerable mothers through the Cornelia program at Royal Women’s Hospital

Sector: Healthcare

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Partners: A partnership between Royal Women’s Hospital, HousingFirst and Launch Housing. RW Health Partnership (BBGI’s Portfolio Company), Cushman & Wakefield and ISS (among others) contributed to this initiative.

RH Health Partnership and its O&M partners (Cushman & Wakefield and ISS) contributed to the Cornelia Program, an Australian-first initiative supporting pregnant women and new mothers experiencing homelessness in Melbourne.

Approach

Program overview: The Cornelia Program, led by Royal Women’s Hospital in partnership with HousingFirst and Launch Housing, provides safe, temporary housing in a purpose-built apartment, along with wraparound care for at-risk mothers and infants.
Co-funded donation: A collective contribution of AUD $30,000 was made by RW Health Partnership, Cushman & Wakefield, and ISS, to support the Royal Women’s Hospital.
Focus on outcomes: The program aims to break the cycle of homeless and disadvantage, and prioritises safe accommodation, parenting support, early intervention, and pathways to long-term housing.

Impact

Direct support for mothers and infants: Since 2021, the program has supported 107 women and babies. Of those who exited the program, 73% transitioned to permanent social or public housing