The Albanese Government’s launch of the National Housing Infrastructure Facility Crisis and Transitional (NHIF CT) program for Australians experiencing or at risk of homelessness is a win for young people who have been overlooked for too long.
Across the country, there are up to 40,000 young Australians without a place to call home. Young people experience the highest rates of homelessness among all age groups in Australia.
“This significant investment by the Albanese Government will enable community housing providers to get new crisis and transitional housing projects off the ground for young people who have nowhere safe to live,” Foyer Foundation co-CEO, Corin Moffatt said.
Young people from across the Foyer network, FoyerInvest partners and the Home Time campaign have been working hard to get the right housing solutions for young people who experience homelessness.
“We know many young people in this situation need more than a roof over their heads; they also need linked support services to pursue their goals and transition to independence,” Moffatt said.
“The Commonwealth commitment is a crucial step forward in funding the bricks and mortar costs of youth housing. State and Territory Governments now need to cover the linked support services for those young people who need it to get their lives on track.”
“It’s great to see most states and territories prioritising housing solutions for young people, and welcome the Victorian and Queensland Government’s explicit prioritisation of Youth Foyers. We encourage all jurisdictions to follow suit.”
Youth Foyers are a shovel-ready, medium-term solution that provides a safe and stable home for young people aged 16-24 for up to two years, integrated with tailored coaching and support to complete education opportunities, navigate employment pathways, and build fundamental life skills that many of us take for granted. Every dollar invested in Foyers delivers a $6 return to governments.
“There are over thirty-three communities wanting to build a Youth Foyer in response to urgent needs of young people in their area, including thirteen locations ready for investment now. Investing in ten would deliver outcomes for over 3,000 young people across Australia.”
For more information and to arrange interviews, please call Shona McPherson on 0410 293 844 or email [email protected]
