A housing haven for local youth facing homelessness has paved the way for plans to establish similar services throughout the state.
The Logan Youth Foyer provides housing and accommodation to locals aged 16-25 who are facing homelessness or struggling with early adulthood.
The foyer can support up to 40 people at any one time, containing the 40 self-contained studios and one-bedroom units, includes office spaces, and communal indoor and outdoor spaces.
Throughout the years, the foyer has supported hundreds of struggling youth.
Its success has now prompted state government plans to establish “foyers” in eight other locations, starting in Townsville, Cairns, Hervey Bay and Moreton Bay.
A current resident at the Logan foyer, Caitlyn, said it offered her stability, opportunity and a “safe place to express myself and become a better version of myself”.
“Since moving into the foyer, I have been able to gain employment and a vehicle, and I have participated in volunteering opportunities,” she said.
“I’ve also learnt how important it is to use my own voice to advocate for other young people experiencing homelessness.
“Since starting my youth advocacy work I’ve realised that I would love to pursue a career in community services.”
Caitlyn said she was proud to use her story to influence change and impact her community.
“It feels good to have an impact on the future of youth homelessness and actually be a voice for other young people.”
The Logan foyer was expanded from a 22-person capacity in 2019.
The project was designed by Bark Architects in collaboration with foyer residents, Logan City Council and the on-site service providers Wesley Mission Queensland.
It was constructed by Hutchinson builders.
Like the Logan facility, the new foyers are designed to be close to public transport, education facilities, workplaces and services.
The Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon said the Logan foyer was proof that accommodation services could “change the lives of vulnerable young people for the better”.
“It’s hard to do well at school or uni, hold down a job and plot out your future when you don’t have a safe place to stay,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Youth Foyers aren’t just a bed to sleep in, it’s a place that provides wraparound support to study, get a good job, their own place and eventually home ownership.
“Young people learn how to live independently in single-occupancy units where they pay rent, shop and cook for themselves, while receiving 24/7 on-site mentoring and support from an experienced provider to learn the skills required to transition to independent living.”
