Homes for Queenslanders: Townsville Youth Foyer opens

• Miles Government officially opens Townsville Youth Foyer
• The 40-unit complex will help young people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness
• Under Homes for Queenslanders plan, Miles Government has committed to deliver another eight Youth Foyers across Queensland

The Miles Government’s 40-unit youth foyer in Townsville is officially open, providing homes for vulnerable young people.

Young people who were at-risk of or experiencing homelessness have started moving into the facility, which includes 24/7 onsite supports from Mission Australia.

It will provide young people aged between 16 and 25-years-old with a safe place to stay and the wraparound support they need while they complete their education, work and eventually find their own place to call home.

Earlier this year, the Miles Government announced it would build eight more youth foyers as part of its Homes for Queenslanders plan, including in Cairns, Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Townsville is growing rapidly, which means we need more housing options for those in need.

“Here at the Townsville Youth Foyer, young people will have a safe place to stay while getting the support they need to thrive at school, work and in life.

“Experts have called for more innovative housing solutions, like youth foyers, that integrate housing, education, employment and life skills support under one roof.

“I’m proud that my government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan is doing exactly that.

“Because every person deserves to have a safe place to call home.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Mundingburra Les Walker:

“We have so many young people in our community who want to learn, earn and contribute positively to our city, but haven’t had the support they need.

“That’s where our new youth foyer steps in.

“They are taught skills such as budgeting to manage living costs, and how to look after a rental property to prepare them for living independently.

“I’ve seen the success of youth foyers on the Gold Coast and in Logan, and this will open up those opportunities to young people in Townsville.”

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“It’s hard to do well at school or uni, hold down a job and plan your future if you don’t have a safe place to stay.

“Youth Foyers aren’t just a bed to sleep in, it’s a place that provides wraparound support to study, get a good job and change a young persons life.

“Whether it’s helping Queenslanders buy their first home, making sure renters get a fair go or our most vulnerable have a safe place to stay – our Homes for Queenslanders plan is delivering.

“The Townsville Youth Foyer was built by young Queenslanders for young Queenslanders, with a number of young apprentices working on the project.”

Quotes attributable to Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister:

“Mission Australia’s first Youth Foyer in Townsville is a beacon of hope for every young person we welcome through our doors,” she said.

“By intervening early, we equip young people with essential life skills and open doors to education and training, empowering them to step into adulthood with confidence and stability.

“Many young people disengage from school or work simply because they lack a safe, secure living environment and the support they need to thrive.

“At Townsville Youth Foyer, Mission Australia provides accommodation and support that nurtures independence and empowers young people to make meaningful contributions to their community while taking strides towards a brighter future.”

Quotes attributable to Elma, 18, who became one of the first young people to move into the foyer after she had been living in accommodation for young homeless women:

“It feels amazing.  I have my own space, my own stuff, and I don’t have to share my apartment with anyone - it’s just mine.

The Townsville teenager has already made good friends at her new home, where foyer staff have gone out of their way to make its young residents feel welcome.

“They bought in a karaoke machine the other night, and I also cooked dinner for everyone.”

Elma is undertaking a construction course, and is working towards having a job and her own apartment once she leaves foyer life.

“I’m definitely more relaxed now.  It makes me feel very safe here.”

Further information:

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact the Townsville Housing Service Centre on 4724 8500 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078