Homeless youth get fresh start

CONSTRUCTION of a specialised youth housing service in Townsville will generate local jobs and support homeless young people.

The State Government has backed the construction of a Townsville Youth Foyer, a housing model based on early intervention to support vulnerable young people.

The foyer will support up to 40 young people between the ages of 16 to 25 at any one time, with residents required to pay 25 per cent of their wage as rent. The self- contained units will be staffed 24/ 7 by professional youth support workers.

The State Government has committed $ 15.1 million for the land purchase, construction and provision of support services at the foyer.

The foyer will be designed by Paynter Dixon Queensland and managed by Mission Australia Housing.

Paynter Dixon general manager Brett Johnston said he was pleased to be involved in the project.

“We are creating pathways for those experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, and developing a standard of housing of which we can all be proud,” he said.

Housing Minister Mick de Brenni said “bricks and mortar alone” wouldn’t solve homelessness.

“That’s why I’m rock solid on partnerships that improve pathways from homelessness to safe, secure and sustainable housing as a key element of the Palaszczuk Government’s $ 1.8 billion Queensland Housing Strategy,” Mr de Brenni said.

Construction is expected to begin at the end of 2018.

Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke said the Youth Foyer would assist young Townsville residents unable to live at home with their families to break the cycle of homelessness.

“Youth Foyers are recognised for putting young people … on a positive path by providing safe and affordable housing while helping them to become confident, strong and self- supporting,” she said.