Michaela Meade
An accommodation service helping young people at risk of homelessness has received funding to continue operating for the next four years.
The Kangan Education First Youth Foyer Broadmeadows received $7.4 million from the state government’s Big Housing Build.
Housing Minister Richard Wynne visited the foyer earlier this month to announce the funding injection for the “very unique” model of support on offer.
“The funding is acknowledging the centrality of secure housing in the first instance,” Mr Wynne said.
“And the importance of then wrapping around supports for people.
“80 per cent of the kids who come through the foyer go into long term employment, or continue their education.
“For me, it’s about relaying what a difference this investment makes in people’s lives.
“[The funding] is an investment in young people.”
The foyer is run by Launch Housing, in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
The Kangan youth foyer has been open since 2014, and has supported 231 students between 16 and 24 years of age.
Foyer resident Wallace Quoieia, 18, said it “feels like home”.
“I didn’t know things like this existed,” he said.
“I can have goals I didn’t before.
“At the moment, the goal is to get qualified [for a trade].”
Mr Quoieia is completing his secondary schooling, and undertaking work experience as a barista.
He said he ultimately wants to get into a construction career.
The state government’s 2021-22 budget invested $194 million for the continuation of programs similar to the First Youth foyer, building on the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.
Details: www.launchhousing.org.au/service/education-first-youth-foyer
