The Foyer Foundation has welcomed the confirmation of Brisbane and Ipswich as the newest locations in Queensland’s expanding Youth Foyer network, as a defining moment for how Australia responds to youth homelessness.
The new sites join emerging Foyers in Cairns, Redcliffe and Hervey Bay, alongside established Foyers in Logan, the Gold Coast, and Townsville, ensuring this evidence-based solution to youth homelessness will be available across Queensland’s highest-need regions. The Brisbane Foyer will be backed by the Federal Government’s $1.2 billion Housing Australia Future Fund Crisis and Transitional program.
“All young people deserve a safe place to live and the support to learn, earn and thrive. When they get this support, young people, communities and state and federal governments all benefit,” said Corin Moffatt, Foyer Foundation Co-CEO.
“This is a smart investment in young Queenslanders by the State and Federal Government that shows youth homelessness really does matter.”
Youth Foyers combine secure housing with wraparound support for young people aged 16–24 facing homelessness. Within two years, over 80% exit into safe and stable housing, 87% believe they can reach their long-term goals, and four in five move into education, employment, or both.
“Foyer has given me stability, opportunity and a safe place to become a better version of myself,” said Caitlyn, Foyer Ambassador and former Logan Foyer resident.
“I’ve gained employment, my driver’s licence, volunteering experience and learned how important it is to use my voice to advocate for other young people experiencing homelessness.”
This week’s announcement is the result of many people refusing to look away from the challenge of youth homelessness – young people with lived experience, the Queensland FoyerInvest Working Group, and governments at every level – and to see it confirmed in the lead up to Youth Homelessness Matters Day is a powerful signal that when communities raise their voices, real change follows.
“We hope this momentum inspires similar ambition nationwide, opening the door to shared investment in the future of young Australians everywhere.”
“The Foyer Foundation is committed to working with the QLD Government to ensure this unprecedented investment in young people secures high quality services upholding the proven Foyer approach and unlocks better futures for young people.”
For more information and to arrange interviews, please call Shona McPherson
on 0410 293 844 or email [email protected]
