Construction of 40 apartments for young Toowoomba residents at risk of homelessness is set to start early next year.
The State Government is partnering with the Federal Government to fund the Toowoomba Youth Foyer in Harristown. The complex will be the final one of eight “Youth Foyers” delivered across Queensland.
The Harristown foyer will support young people aged between 16 and 25 with stable housing in a supported living environment while they study, train or work.
Youth Foyer tenants are required to pay around 25 per cent of their income in rent and receive 24/7 on-site support while they enter education, training or work.
Arkhefield architects has been contracted to design the James Street project, which will provide 40 self-contained units and communal areas.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said Youth Foyers were helping more young Queenslanders have the support they need to succeed.
“Youth Foyers change lives so we’re proud to be delivering young Queenslanders in Toowoomba the housing help they deserve,” Minister O’Connor said.
“These buildings are so much more than just a roof over someone’s head, foyers give young people who are earning or learning the stable foundation they need to build whatever life they aspire to live.”
“Over the last decade, youth homelessness kept getting worse yet only two new Youth Foyers were opened.”
“Housing with wraparound supports is vital to ensure these vulnerable young Queenslanders don’t fall through the cracks and instead have a pathway to a more stable, independent future.”
Federal Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities, Clare O’Neil said the Toowoomba Youth Foyer was one of many projects under the Albanese Government’s record $1.2 billion crisis and transitional housing investment that will support thousands of women, children and young people each year.
“The Albanese Labor Government has brought the Commonwealth back into building more homes for those doing it toughest, and the Toowoomba Foyer is a great example of that – giving younger people the support they need in a crisis,” Minister O’Neil said.
“The Housing Australia Future Fund is delivering more accommodation for young people when they need it most and it’s great to partner with the Crisafulli Government to deliver it.”
State Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said the new Toowoomba Youth Foyer would help vulnerable young people from across the Darling Downs build brighter futures.
“Having a safe place to call home can make all the difference for a young person trying to stay connected to education, training or work, and the Toowoomba Youth Foyer project will help young people gain independence, develop life skills and build a pathway toward long-term stability,” Mr Janetzki said.
“This investment in a Youth Foyer for Toowoomba is about more than providing accommodation, it’s about helping young people get back on track and reach their full potential close to home.”
