Youths need places to stay amid homelessness crisis, with Foyer Foundation calling for Federal Budget funds

A leading youth homelessness charity is calling on the Federal Government to put aside $184 million in Tuesday’s Budget to build ten 40-unit accommodation blocks to house those aged under 24. People under that age currently make up 40 per cent of all homeless people, according to the Foyer Foundation — which is urging desperate action to help young people get their lives back on track. The $184m would pay for the $40m required to build two such units in WA, with urgent needs identified in Albany and Broome. The self-contained units have private bathrooms and kitchen facilities, offering safe and secure housing along with education, employment, and training. Those accommodated stay in the homes for a maximum of two years, enabling them to build up a rental history. According to the organisation, about 65 per cent of those who have been housed in existing units leave with jobs. Ava O’Neill, a resident at WA’s only Foyer Foundation block in Leederville, said that the facility was the first place that ever felt like home. “I had experienced housing instability beforehand and didn’t really know what home meant or felt like,” she said. With a roof over her head she said she was able to concentrate on improving her mental health and pursue training to better her future. “Due to my mental health barriers my options were limited, I was very one track minded,” she said of her life before moving into Foyer. “I wasn’t really seeing my capability to do anything, and I was defined by what I couldn’t do. My goals and aspirations have shifted so much. Now, I have big dreams for the future. “I think, for me, one of the biggest differences is that I’m now hopeful for the future and can see a future for myself.” Ms O’Neill has now got qualifications in sign language through Auslan and certificates in dental assistance. She is now taking a course on community service and has won a scholarship to study phlebotomy. “I’ve not only achieved these many achievements, but I’ve also been able to connect with and foster friendships with many great people. “I am beyond grateful for what Foyer provides and has helped me achieve. I plan on buying a house down the track.” Philippa Boldy, director of services at Anglicare WA, said that when young people arrived at the Leederville centre, they were often in survival mode. “The idea of finding a home seems impossible,” she said. “Then, you see those same people transition into their own accommodation, engaged with study or work, and well on their way to thriving.” A recent report, Under One Roof, found that every dollar governments invest in a Youth Foyer generates an additional $6 in benefits. The modelling found 65 per cent of young people in a Foyer home were in employment when they left, reducing the need for welfare by $47,330 per person over their lifetime.