News
21 October, 2025
Lifeline for homeless youth
MORETON Bay is set to benefit from a new Youth Foyer aimed at providing vital support to young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as new figures reveal an alarming rise in child homelessness across the region.
According to newly released data from Micah Projects, homelessness among children in Brisbane has increased by 48 per cent, with more than 2,000 children supported during the last financial year.
Brisbane and surrounding council areas, including Moreton Bay, are facing a growing homelessness crisis that is increasing due to lack of affordable housing and a social housing system that cannot meet demand.
The new report revealed more than 260 families are being supported in emergency motel accommodation, with most remaining there for over a year waiting for affordable housing.
Micah Projects CEO, Karyn Walsh, said street homelessness is the most visible form of homelessness, but emphasised it is not the only and not the biggest form of homelessness.
“Most people experiencing homelessness are hidden, living in cars and motels or couch surfing,” she said.
“People are being priced out of rentals and left without options. Families, children, and vulnerable individuals are paying the price.”
According to Ms Walsh, in just 18 months, the number of families facing homelessness in Brisbane has nearly tripled.
“Last financial year 1,230 families in crisis accommodation were supported by homelessness organisations in Brisbane while looking for longer-term solutions,” she said.
“Poverty has lifelong impacts on children, even when their parents are doing everything they can.”
At the end of the last financial year there were 734 children and 403 families in emergency crisis accommodation.
As demand for crisis support continues to outpace supply, the opening of a new Youth Foyer in Redcliffe offers a glimmer of hope. The facility will have 40 apartments and 24/7 support for 16 to 25-year-olds experiencing or at risk of homelessness in work, study or training.
Tenants will be required to pay about 25 per cent of their income in rent, receiving 24/7 on-site support while they complete education, training or work.
They spend an average of 18 months in this supportive housing environment.
The site was purchased by the Queensland Government earlier this year, providing a central location for the Youth Foyer close to public transport, services, employment opportunities and TAFE.
Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O’Connor, said youth foyers were vital in helping vulnerable young people to learn the skills they need to build brighter futures and achieve their full potential.
“Youth foyers change lives. They give young people who are earning or learning the stable foundation they need to build whatever life they aspire to live,” he said.
“As Housing Minister and as Youth Minister I’m determined to give more young people in communities across our state the opportunities a youth foyer creates - a safe place to call home and a pathway to build a better future for themselves.”
State Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley said the project would make a real difference for young people in her community.
“This new youth foyer will give local young people who’ve done it tough a safe place to live and support to build their independence,” Ms Dooley said.
“Our current providers of youth residential care have been stretched beyond capacity, and that is now changing.”
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said it was critical that young people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, can access wraparound supports to help get them off the street.
“A safe and secure place to stay, in a 24/7 supportive housing environment, gives these young people the opportunity to complete their education, get into the workforce and find their own place to call home,” he said.
“We thank the State Government for their solution-driven approach, in collaboration with Council, to end homelessness in Moreton Bay.”
Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) said it’s “pleasing” that young people who might otherwise slip through the cracks will be able to receive specialist support.
“The Youth Foyer will be a welcome addition to our community, which is already home to the new $6.7 million Peninsula Support Hub.
“It’s great to see specialist homelessness support being delivered on the Peninsula,” he said.
