The Gold Coast Youth Foyer has been officially opened, providing up to 40 young people at risk of homelessness with a roof over their heads.
The Foyer is a key project under the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy’s Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027 and offers accommodation and 24-hour, on-site supervision for tenants aged between 16 and 25.
Minister for Communities and Housing, Leeanne Enoch said the first group of young tenants had moved in and more young people would take up residence over the coming weeks.
“The Gold Coast Youth Foyer is purpose-built and provides pathways to independence by enabling young people to engage in education, training and employment,” Ms Enoch said.
“The project consists of 40 self-contained apartments, communal spaces, training rooms and offices, and will give young people a safe, secure and supportive environment in which to live,” she said.
The Minister said the Foyer gave young people the opportunity to continue their training, studies or hold down a job without worrying about where they are going to sleep for the night, or get their next meal.
“We know that for young people to achieve their goals, they need a stable and secure place to live and a support network around them,” she said.
“Not only will the Gold Coast Youth Foyer provide that, but young people will also learn valuable life skills such as managing a rental property.”
Ms Enoch said as part of the selection criteria for the Foyer, young people needed to show a genuine commitment to education, training or employment and contribute 25 per cent of their income to rent.
She said the Gold Coast Youth Foyer was based on the highly successful Logan Youth Foyer.
The 17-page Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027 can be accessed at this PS News link.
