The Foyer Foundation has welcomed today’s announcement of $300 million to build 520 homes for 13,000 young people facing homelessness through the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) Crisis and Transitional program.
New Youth Foyers will be delivered by the Albanese Government, alongside a broader package of crisis and transitional accommodation backing young people.
Foyer Foundation Co-CEO Corin Moffatt said local communities, service providers and young people with lived experience had fought hard for this.
“More than 40,000 young Australians have nowhere to call home on any given night – the highest rate of any age group.
The communities receiving these new Youth Foyers have pushed hard for a Youth Foyer in response to the urgent needs of young people in their region. Today’s announcement is a result of collective advocacy and collaboration with governments,” Moffatt said.
A Youth Foyers offers 16-24 year olds a home for up to two years, with a coach supporting them to finish study, find work, build essential life skills, manage their health and wellbeing, and connect to culture. 80% of residents exit into safe and stable housing, employment and education.
“A Youth Foyer isn’t the right fit for every young person facing homelessness, or every point in their journey. Some need crisis accommodation right now. Others need a longer runway with wraparound support to finish school, get a job and build a life.”
“Today’s package backs a full spectrum of solutions that young people need, rather than a one-size-fits-all response to youth homelessness.”
The Foyer Foundation will continue to work with Federal, State and Territory Governments, local partners and communities to bring the new Foyers to life, and encourage other jurisdictions to follow suit.
“More than thirty communities around Australia are ready to build a Youth Foyer,” Moffatt said. “Each one represents hundreds of young people who deserve a real pathway out of homelessness towards independent, thriving futures.”
For more information and to arrange interviews, please call Shona McPherson on 0410 293 844 or email [email protected]
