The Victorian Coalition Government is providing $10.4 million to build and operate the first of three new Youth Foyers, Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell said today.
Ms Lovell said Broadmeadows would be home to the first of the three Youth Foyers promised by the Victorian Coalition Government to help vulnerable young people.
Ms Lovell joined Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall, Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Craig Ondarchie, and representatives of Kangan Institute of TAFE, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Hanover to announce the location of the Foyer at the Kangan Institute of TAFE campus at Broadmeadows.
The Broadmeadows Youth Foyer is expected to open mid next year and will be managed by Hanover and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
“This is an exciting development and is a key part of the Government’s $76.6 million Victorian Homelessness Action Plan 2011-2015 which I announced last year,” Ms Lovell said.
“Our Foyers will give young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness structured help and accommodation, in return for the residents taking part in education and training.
“It’s a win for the community because these young people will stay engaged in education, making them less likely to enter the housing, health and youth justice services cycle.
“It’s also a win for some of the state’s most vulnerable young people, giving them a chance to gain accredited qualifications that will lead them to work or further education,” Ms Lovell said.
The Youth Foyers will provide
- access to education, training and employment services,
- an opportunity to develop independent living skills,
- a safe, secure and affordable place to live while they study, and
- support from trained staff.
Mr Hall praised Kangan Institute of TAFE for its involvement in the Youth Foyer.
“Re-engagement in education is a vital ingredient in transforming the lives of those experiencing homelessness, and the connection to education and training opportunities is a key component of the Youth Foyer model,” Mr Hall said.
Each Youth Foyer will have 40 studio-style rooms and extensive common and support service areas, and will be supervised by staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The three new facilities will be supported by a consortium of support agencies, including homelessness support services, education providers and housing managers with links to health and welfare services.
“We know that intervening early to provide secure, stable, affordable accommodation for young people with links to education and training can really make a difference, which is why the announcement of the first Foyer here in Broadmeadows is so important,” Ms Lovell said.