The Foyer Foundation welcomes the NSW Government’s focus on housing in this year’s Budget, with a commitment to build 8,400 social and affordable homes.
We are pleased that the Minns government has recognised that housing affordability and availability is the biggest single pressure facing the people of NSW and is setting NSW on a path to end homelessness.
Young people experience homelessness more than any other age group, as a result of the housing affordability crisis and domestic and family violence. In fact, the top two reasons for young people presenting alone to specialist homelessness services in 2022-23 were the housing crisis (19%) and family and domestic violence (15%).
“The capital to build social and affordable homes is very welcome. We also know that young people need more than just a roof over their heads to get their lives back on track and go on to have thriving futures. They need wraparound services that support them to work and study,” Cameron-Smith said.
The Foyer Foundation had called on the NSW Government to invest in 10 new Youth Foyers to help break the cycle of youth homelessness. Youth Foyers provide 16 to 24 year olds experiencing or at risk of homelessness with a safe and stable home, integrated with education, employment and life skills support. Youth Foyers are an evidence-based solution to reduce youth homelessness that enables lifelong independence.
“The Foyer Foundation would like to see a portion of the social housing funding set aside for innovative solutions such as Youth Foyers and the support funding needed to deliver the outcomes that young people deserve. We hope that the Homelessness Innovation Fund will provide this opportunity.”
Despite having some of the highest numbers of youth homelessness in local communities, NSW has just two Youth Foyers. In comparison, Victoria has 12 Foyers in operation or being built; Queensland has recently announced new funding that will bring the total to 12 once construction is finished; and Tasmania has five Foyers in operation or under construction.
Within two years of living in a Youth Foyer, a young person develops the skills and capabilities they need to achieve long-term stability and independence. More than 80 per cent of Youth Foyer residents exit into safe and stable housing, 65 per cent gain secure and decent employment and 60 per cent are less likely to be involved in the justice system.
“Homelessness is always a last resort for a young person — never a choice,” Cameron-Smith said.
“We need the NSW Government to come to the table and turn young lives around.”
