News
13 January, 2025
State announces eight new youth foyers to address homelessness
The state government has announced it will deliver eight new youth foyers across Queensland to support young people facing housing insecurity, as part of the Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan.
The state government has announced it will deliver eight new youth foyers across Queensland to support young people facing housing insecurity, as part of the Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan.
These services will provide critical support for young people without housing and will benefit from the government’s 20 percent funding increase for specialist homelessness services over the next four years.
The state government has extended the funding boost to homelessness services, following a temporary increase under the previous government, which was due to end in June 2025.
The eight new youth foyers will be built across the state, including in Cairns, Hervey Bay, and Moreton Bay, with the remaining five locations yet to be determined. These will complement the three existing youth foyers in Logan, Townsville, and the Gold Coast.
Youth foyers provide young people aged 16 to 25 with a safe place to stay, wraparound support, and the opportunity to complete their education, enter the workforce, and secure independent housing. Foyer residents pay 25% of their income and typically spend 18 months in this supportive environment.
Minister O'Connor emphasised the importance of youth foyers and specialist homelessness services in addressing the Queensland housing crisis.
Jackson Hills, Acting CEO of QShelter, and Maria Leebeek, Chairperson of the Gold Coast Homelessness Network, also welcomed the funding increase, noting the positive outcomes of youth foyer programs in helping young people transition into independence.
