Today the ACT Government has announced funding for a new youth foyer based at the CIT Woden campus which will support young people to finish their studies with a secure roof over their heads.
Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services, Rebecca Vassarotti said the youth foyer will provide studio and family apartments to 20 students between the ages of 16 to 24.
"In Canberra, young people are on the frontlines of the housing affordability crisis. If they're not homeless, they're struggling to pay the rent or to find a place to sleep," said Minister Vassarotti.
"Starting off life with a safe place to call home is a fundamental building block to making friends that support you, finding a job that you love and creating a positive future.
"This new youth foyer will provide a home close to study for young Canberrans who can't live with family but want to finish their education.
"Our new youth foyer will give young people will have the right building blocks to create a positive life, integrating housing, education, employment, and life skills support all under one roof."
The Woden youth foyer, which is due for completion in 2025, is the second in Canberra. The ACT Government will appoint a service provider to run the youth foyer and deliver a range of culturally appropriate supports in coming months.
Those services are expected to include mentoring and coaching, life skills development such as budgeting, cooking and healthy eating, and support to engage with the local community.
The 2024-25 Budget allocated $3.5 million for the service provision of the youth foyer.
Included in the overall funding of the CIT Woden Campus project is a $10 million contribution by the Federal Government towards the youth foyer.
