The number of youth foyers in Queensland will almost triple, with eight new facilities to be built over the next four years.
State Minister for Youth and Housing Sam O’Connor said youth foyers provided young people, aged 16 to 25, at risk of or experiencing homelessness with a safe and stable place to stay.
Minister O’Connor said they also provided young people with wraparound support, while they completed their education, entered the workforce and found their own place to call home.
“The services will deliver critical support to young people without housing,” he said.
Minister O’Connor said eight new youth foyers would be delivered across the state, including Cairns, Hervey Bay and Moreton Bay with the other five locations to be determined.
He said these would build on Queensland’s three existing youth foyers currently operating on the Gold Coast, in Logan and Townsville.
“Foyer residents pay 25 percent of their income and spend an average of 18 months in this supportive housing environment.
“We will help keep more young people off the streets by delivering this successful model across the State.”
QShelter Acting CEO Jackson Hills said the youth foyer programs were evidence-based and produced excellent outcomes.
Mr Jackson said they inspired young people who had transitioned through the program back into the economy and workforce.
Gold Coast Homelessness Network Chairperson and Gold Coast Youth Services CEP Maria Leebeek said the youth foyers provided not just accommodation but a foundation for education, employment, and personal growth.
“With youth foyers like this one, we have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on youth homelessness, and we need to see more of them rolled out across Queensland,” Ms Leebeek said.
