EXCLUSIVE: First tenants chosen for $12.3m youth homelessness accommodation at Gold Coast Youth Foyer

The first tenants have been selected for the new $12.3 million youth homelessness accommodation hub on the Gold Coast.

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THE FIRST tenants have been selected for the new $12.3 million youth homelessness accommodation hub on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast Youth Foyer, completed last month and first announced in 2018, consists of 40 self-contained studio apartments, communal spaces and offices.

All tenants will be aged between 16 and 25 years old, with 24-hour on-site supervision.

Gold Coast MP Meagan Scanlon said: “These young adults are motivated to continue their studies and training or to get a job, and a roof over their heads combined with a support network helps this to happen.

Hon Meaghan Scanlon MP. Pic Annette Dew

“During these challenging times, this social housing project will give 40 young people on the Gold Coast, the stability and security they need to achieve their goals and aspirations.

“The Gold Coast Youth Foyer is based on the highly successful youth foyer model established in Logan, teaching young people how to manage a rental property while supporting them towards long-term independent living.”

Young people chosen to move into the accommodation need to show a “genuine commitment to education, training or employment” and give 25 per cent of their income to rent.

Homelessness service providers Gold Coast Youth Service Inc and Community Housing Queensland Ltd will help manage the project.

Minister Leanne Enoch. NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Gold Coast Youth Service Inc CEO Maria Leebeek said eight professional support staff will work on-site provide both emotional and practical support for tenants.

“Being able to provide ongoing support and stable, affordable accommodation will assist young participants to break the cycle of homelessness, achieve genuine independence and positive hopeful futures,” she said.

Housing Minister Leanne Enoch told the Bulletin the new tenants would be among the first in the state to benefit from the state government’s 2017-2027 housing strategy.

“This life-changing project will give up to 40 young people at risk of homelessness a place to call home,” she said.

Gold Coast Youth Foyer.

“Our new Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025 is supported by a $2.9 billion investment, including the establishment of a $1 billion Housing Investment Fund.

“(This will) fast-track the delivery of social and affordable housing as part of our economic recovery from Covid-19, providing improved housing and homelessness services.

“It is the largest concentrated investment in social housing in Queensland’s history and will see 7400 new social and affordable homes commence over the next four years.”

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