Each year for the past 10 years more than 44,000 young Australians have turned to specialist homelessness services for support. We need to change the game and break cycles of youth homelessness so that young people can transition to independent futures.
Our report, ‘Under One Roof’, by The Foyer Foundation and Accenture, highlights the social and economic impact of Youth Foyers – an evidence-based solution that delivers integrated living, learning, and work opportunities for young people aged 16-24.
The report shows that Youth Foyers significantly reduce the cost to governments of supporting young people to overcome homelessness, contributing to better housing, education, employment and health outcomes and reduced contact with the justice system. It’s a solution to youth homelessness that pays for itself.
The “Under One Roof” economic analysis by Accenture found Foyers significantly reduced the cost to state and federal governments of supporting young people experiencing homelessness by offering integrated education, employment and accommodation services.
-
- The lifetime cost to governments of supporting a person that has accessed SHS is estimated at $386,000.
- 48% of this cost is incurred by the Australian government and 52% by state and territory governments. This is made up of
- welfare costs net taxes (30%)
- housing (30%)
- health care costs (25%)
- justice costs (15%)
- The benefits of a young person supported through a foyer are $172,417 in reduced lifetime costs compared to a young person in specialist homelessness services (SHS).
Accenture’s ‘Under One Roof’ economic evaluation of Youth Foyers is available to be downloaded here
