The Palaszczuk Government’s strategic approach to housing and homelessness is delivering improved housing outcomes for Queenslanders, including young people at risk of homelessness on the Gold Coast.
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch today announced that the first tenants have been selected to move into the new $12.3 million Gold Coast Youth Foyer, one of the key projects delivered under the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027.
“This life-changing project will give up to 40 young people at risk of homelessness a place to call home,” Minister Enoch said.
“The young people moving into the Gold Coast Youth Foyer are among the first Queenslanders to see the benefits of these services and support since the new action plan was launched.”
“Our new Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025 is supported by a $2.9 billion investment, including the establishment of a $1 billion Housing Investment Fund, to fast-track the delivery of social and affordable housing as part of our economic recovery from COVID-19, providing improved housing and homelessness services.
“It is the largest concentrated investment in social housing in Queensland’s history and will see 7400 new social and affordable homes commence over the next four years.
The Gold Coast Youth Foyer consists of 40 self-contained studio apartments, communal spaces and offices with 24-hour on-site supervision and support for young tenants aged between 16 and 25 years.
Minister for Youth Affairs and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said for young people to have every chance of reaching their full potential, a safe and secure environment in which to live is required, and the Gold Coast Youth Foyer will provide that.
“These young adults are motivated to continue their studies and training or to get a job, and a roof over their heads combined with a support network helps this to happen,” Ms Scanlon said.
“During these challenging times, this social housing project will give 40 young people on the Gold Coast, the stability and security they need to achieve their goals and aspirations.
“The Gold Coast Youth Foyer is based on the highly successful youth foyer model established in Logan, teaching young people how to manage a rental property while supporting them towards long-term independent living.”
As part of the selection criteria to participate in the Gold Coast Youth Foyer, young people need to show a genuine commitment to education, training or employment and contribute 25% of their income to rent.
New tenant Sam Doran, aged 19, said, “I’m really excited about moving into the Foyer, it will give me the security to focus on my studies and complete uni.
“It will provide stable housing for people and allow them to focus on education or training”
The Palaszczuk Government has partnered with homelessness service providers, the Gold Coast Youth Service Inc and Community Housing Queensland Ltd, to manage the project.
Gold Coast Youth Service Inc CEO Maria Leebeek said eight professional support staff will work on site including staff onsite 24/7 to provide both emotional and practical support if and when the tenants need it.
“Being able to provide ongoing support and stable, affordable accommodation will assist young participants to break the cycle of homelessness, achieve genuine independence and positive hopeful futures,” she said.
Community Housing Queensland Limited’s Managing Director Steve Bevington said the youth foyer model has proven to be a successful housing approach in providing a stable and supportive environment for the youth for up to two years.
“We are delighted to be the tenancy and property manager of this foyer that will provide young people with a secure home and enable them to pursue their goals and ambitions for the future,” he said.
“We look forward to a successful partnership with the Queensland Government and Gold Coast Youth Service Inc on this very significant project.”
The Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-25 includes an ongoing commitment to deliver essential services to Queenslanders, with an investment of $94.9 million over four years.
These essential services help people access housing support and sustain their tenancies, including people experiencing homelessness or domestic and family violence.
