Unlock Futures with a Great Southern Youth Foyer

Advance Housing Limited (AHL) and the Albany Youth Support Association (AYSA) are calling for federal investment in the Great Southern Youth Foyer and a better future for young people in the region.

Young people under the age of 29 make up 66% of those experiencing homelessness in the Great Southern region, with only eight youth crisis beds available to meet this demand. On top of this, the private rental vacancy rate has reached 0.2%- the lowest in the state- and more than 700 young people are waiting for social housing across the Great Southern and adjacent regions.

“Despite extensive efforts, it is systematically harder for young people to access housing. The chance of a young person who is unable to live at home securing housing in this market is next to zero.” AHL CEO, John Lysaught explained.

“That’s why the Great Southern Youth Foyer project is so vital.”

AHL and AYSA submitted a funding application under the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) to build a 10-bed youth refuge, plus 50 transitional beds providing stable housing that is integrated with education, employment and life skills support for young people aged 16-24. Land has been secured via the City of Albany, and the project is ready to go.

“We know that Youth Foyers™ work. Across Australia, after two years at a Youth Foyer more than 80% of young people exit into stable housing, employment and education,” AYSA CEO, Rebecca I’Anson.

“Scaling this proven solution would reduce pressure on stretched crisis services and deliver a strong return on investment for both State and Federal Governments, with $6 in value generated for every $1 invested.”

“We and the local community partners know that this model works elsewhere to break the cycle of disadvantage, alongside a strong system of crisis and temporary accommodation support,” said Mayor Greg Stocks.

“What we need now is the government funding to build these homes and provide the support that unlocks futures young people deserve.”

Join the call for a #Foyer4Albany and sign the petition: https://c.org/Ym69DxXjRG

About Youth Foyers™

 Youth Foyers™ give people aged 16-24 a safe home, support to learn and work, and the skills to build an independent life – all under one roof, for up to two years.

Learn more: https://foyer.org.au/foyers-in-australia/