Wodonga TAFE will be home to a multi-million-dollar centre providing secure supported housing, access to education, training and job-skilling for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer will be developed in partnership between the Victorian Government, BeyondHousing, Wodonga Institute of TAFE and Junction Support Services.

It is one of ten new youth housing projects recently announced by the Victorian Minister for Housing The Hon. Colin Brooks MP as part of the Victorian Government’s $50 million commitment to housing for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, under the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build program.

The Education First Youth Foyer program works to break the cycle of homelessness by supporting young people, aged 16 to 24, to build a secure and sustainable livelihood by providing them supported housing alongside access to education, employment, training, and a suite of other supports and opportunities.

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Addressing youth homelessness

Young people presenting alone are the 4th largest homelessness services client group in 2021-22, with more than 39,300 young people presenting to homelessness services across Victoria. 1 in 4 people experiencing homelessness in Wodonga is a young person aged 12-24.

The Education First Youth Foyer initiative is initiative is about prevention and pathways for young people, which are needed more than ever in today’s housing environment

Wodonga TAFE will provide the site for the Foyer to be built at its McKoy Street campus, with construction expected to be completed by mid-2025.

The Wodonga Youth Foyer will be managed by BeyondHousing with Junction Support Services providing vital supports to residents. It will be home to 40 at risk or disadvantaged young people who commit to training and study in exchange for subsidised accommodation and support for up to two years.

The Wodonga Youth Foyer will be based on the successful Education First Youth Foyer model developed by Brotherhood of St Laurence, which will provide support for the operational model.

“We have a long-standing commitment to ending homelessness here in Wodonga and look forward to working with our partners to deliver the Foyer project. Education First Youth Foyers are evidence based. They make a real difference to the lives of many young people experiencing homelessness. Wodonga needs a Foyer and we’re delighted at the Victorian Government’s investment and the opportunity to work with our partners.”

Celia Adams, Beyondhousing ceo.

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Find out more about Education First Youth Foyers here: