Foundation Housing CEO an Ambassador for Youth Homelessness Matters Day

April 8, 2016

Kathleen Gregory, the CEO of one of WA’s leading community housing organisations is among those lending their support to Youth Homelessness Matters Day on 13 April and says she hopes the day will break stereotypes associated with youth homelessness as well as increasing engagement with Government and business.

“At Foundation Housing we see first-hand at Foyer Oxford the positive change that occurs in young people’s lives when they get access to appropriate housing and support. We see how their future re-written.”

Ms Gregory is an Ambassador for Youth Homelessness Matters Day which aims to put a spotlight on the issue of young people without somewhere to live.

Around 42% of the homeless population in Australia is under 25 years-old – about 26,000 individuals.  Of these about 70% are not rough sleepers but ‘couch surfers’ who depend on their limited networks to provide accommodation.

Foundation Housing manage Foyer Oxford in Leederville which is Australia’s largest, purpose built youth homelessness accommodation facility.

“Foyer Oxford gives young people a safe and affordable place to stay for up to two years while they get their lives on track,” Ms Gregory said.

“Our consortium partners Anglicare WA and North Metropolitan TAFE provide services and education which enables these young people to leave Foyer into stable long-term accommodation, with a bright future to look forward to.

“We recently had our 200^th resident at Foyer Oxford since we opened two years ago. So far in 2016, 67 young people have left Foyer and 90% of this group have moved on to positive long-term accommodation.  More than half of them moved into the private rental market and 70% of the single young people were connected with education, employment and training when they left.

“We are delighted by the success of Foyer Oxford and would like to see this proven successful model established in regional WA where we know there is a great need for housing solutions for young people,” Ms Gregory concluded.

Youth Homelessness Facts:

• 42% (approx. 26,000 people) of the homelessness population is undet the age of 25 years.
• 70% left home to escape family violence, child abuse or family breakdown.
• The first and most common way young people experience homelessness is couch surfing.
• Foyer Oxford houses 98 young people including a number of young single parents and their child.