Youth homeless accommodation location revealed

WORK on a $13.4 million youth homelessness assistance centre in Southport will start early next year.

The Southport Youth Foyer will be built on the corner of North and High streets and will be operational by late next year.

The site will occupy 51-53 North St and 130 High St. It was purchased for $2.65 million by the State Government.

The 40 single-occupancy, self-contained studio units will offer secure housing and educational opportunities for those facing homelessness between the ages of 16 and 25.

Homelessness has been of increasing concern to the Gold Coast community, with approximately 4000 locals living vulnerably.

Flop houses are becoming more common and advocates for ending homelessness have asked the Government council to step in.

The Southport Youth Foyer has been allocated $13.4 million in funding. Tenants will pay 25 per cent of any income they make in rent.

“This is no hand-out,” Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said. and “This is about providing a secure environment for young people who are unable to live at home with their families.”

Opposition youth spokesman Sam O’Connor said his electorate was the right spot for the Foyer. However, he disapproved of the “secretive” way the site was selected.