How youth foyers work
In Queensland, youth foyers provide accommodation for young people who are:
committed to engaging in education, training or work
in need of a safe and stable environment to live in as they build their future as adults.
On-site staff
Youth foyers are staffed by experienced youth support workers. The youth foyer model ensures staff are on site 24/7.
The availability of staff over 24 hours gives young tenants security and ensures they have support when they need it.
Tenants
The young people who come to live at a youth foyer may, for a variety of reasons, be unable to live at home or are at risk of homelessness. For example, a young person may:
need to leave home due to conflict or family violence
experience overcrowding in the family home
be working or studying, and can’t locate safe and affordable housing
be leaving the child safety system after turning 18
need to develop independent living skills and establish a good rental history before securing a mainstream property.
Tenancy arrangements
To be eligible to live in a youth foyer, young people need to be either in education, training or employment.
Youth foyer tenants are required to pay around 25 per cent of their income in rent, and have an agreement in place much like anyone who rents their home. Young tenants shop and cook for themselves, and learn the rights and responsibilities of living in rental accommodation.
Helping young tenants manage their budget to include accommodation is a key element of the youth foyer model. This allows them to gain the skills they need to sustain a rented home, while they are supported to make a smooth transition into mainstream accommodation.
The average stay for tenants is 18 months, but the duration of stay will depend on each tenant’s circumstances, and the plan for them to complete education or training or gain employment.
Youth foyers in Australia