New youth foyer opens in Townsville

A new youth foyer has opened in Townsville to provide safe homes for young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

The 40-unit youth foyer provides young people, aged between 16 and 25, with their own self-contained unit and 24/7 onsite support from Mission Australia youth workers.

Young residents pay rent and bills on their unit while they complete education, training or paid work.

Elma, 18, spent her teenage years in residential care and left a women’s shelter to become one of the first young people to move into the foyer.

'It feels amazing. I have my own space, my own stuff, and I don’t have to share my apartment with anyone – it’s just mine.'

The Townsville teenager has already made good friends at her new home, where foyer staff have gone out of their way to make the young residents feel welcome.

'They bought in a karaoke machine the other night, and I also cooked dinner for everyone.'

Elma is undertaking a construction course and is working towards having a job and her own apartment once she leaves foyer life.

'I’m definitely more relaxed now. It makes me feel very safe here.'

The young residents have access to a communal living room and kitchen, a basketball court and private meeting rooms.

The foyer, located on the former Pimlico TAFE site in Townsville, was co-designed with local young people and stakeholders to ensure it meets the needs of its residents and integrates into the community.

Find out more about the benefits of youth foyers and how they work.