Homes for Queenslanders: New support centre for youth at-risk of homelessness

• Homes for Queenslanders will see the Miles Government establish a new Youth Support Centre in Brisbane for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• Centre will be managed by Brisbane Youth Service and provide a safe space for young people to receive housing supports and other services 

A new one-stop-shop will provide support for young people in need as part of the government’s new long-term housing plan Homes for Queenslanders.

The Miles Government is partnering with the Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) to establish a youth support centre, purchasing a four-storey commercial office building in Fortitude Valley that will be transformed into a dedicated space for young people to receive housing support.

The centre will be operated by Brisbane Youth Service and will be a one-stop shop providing coordinated support for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. BYS will leverage access to other services including mental health, alcohol and drug use, domestic and family violence and other issues.

It follows the government announcing as part of its plan a 20 per cent increase for homelessness organisations across Queensland, as well as the announcement of a further eight youth foyers – all as part of Homes for Queenslanders.

In addition to services delivered by BYS, the new centre will be large enough for other not-for-profit agencies to provide supports on site.

Brisbane Youth Service estimate they will be able to support more than 500 additional young people per year through the Youth Support Centre.

Brisbane Youth Service will move from their current office in Fortitude Valley to the centre once a fit-out of the building is completed.

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“We know that young people are among those who have been most impacted by the ongoing housing pressures across Queensland.

“Brisbane Youth Service will be able to provide supports to more than 500 additional young people each year through this new centre.

“For young people who fall through the cracks, we need services like this to give them the support they need to pursue a good job, education and a safe place to stay.

“This project builds on some of the excellent work we’re already doing to support young people, including our youth foyers in Logan and the Gold Coast and supported accommodation at Hamilton and Nambour.”

Quotes attributable to Member for McConnel Grace Grace:

“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work Brisbane Youth Service do with young people in the community and this centre has finally realised Brisbane Youth Service having a permanent home.

“Brisbane Youth Service has told us they’re experiencing more demand for support from young people in need and this new, much larger building will allow them to meet this demand and deliver fantastic outcomes for young people and provide space for other complimentary service providers.”

Pam Barker CEO, Brisbane Youth Service:

“I thank the Queensland Government for collaborating closely with Brisbane Youth Service to create a purpose-built centre to support young people and young families at risk or experiencing homelessness. In this centralised location, we will support vulnerable young people with housing, mental and physical healthcare, domestic and family violence supports, drug and alcohol supports, and other vital services.

“Consolidating these crucial supports in one, safe place will give young people and young families a genuine opportunity to achieve continuity of care and address the complex and often intersecting issues that have led them into crisis.”

“Navigating pathways to services can be overwhelming for vulnerable young people, creating additional obstacles to overcoming homelessness.”

“Streamlining access to crucial supports is a major victory in helping to address the housing crisis in Queensland.”

Jess, Young Person supported by Brisbane Youth Service:

“I arrived in Brisbane to pursue tertiary education but could not find any accommodation and was forced to live in an adult hostel for two years. It wasn’t safe, my mental health declined, and sometimes I only had $50 to live on for two weeks, so would have to go days without food.”

“Brisbane Youth Service found me a safe place to live. Having access to their services such as groups and the GP clinic has made life much easier for me. Everyone at Brisbane Youth Service has been nothing but caring, supportive, and always attend to my health problems and needs. I feel grateful to be able to access such services as a young person in need of support.”

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078