The Allan Labor Government is backing more young people in regional Victoria with the official opening of the new Education First Youth Foyer in Wodonga.
The $15.7 million project will give 40 young people aged 16 to 24 a safe and stable place to call home, with 20 already moved in and more to come through a staggered intake over the coming months.
Youth Foyers deliver more than secure housing - they provide wraparound support to help young people stay in education, gain independence and build a better future. Residents can stay for up to two years while they study, work, and plan for long-term, stable housing.
Delivered in partnership with Beyond Housing and Wodonga TAFE, the two-storey Wodonga Youth Foyer includes 40 fully self-contained studio apartments, a communal kitchen and dining area, and a shared courtyard. Each room is furnished with colourful furniture, linen and local artwork to create a welcoming home for every resident.
On-site staff are available 24/7 to support residents with everything from goal setting to day-to-day life skills like budgeting, cooking and navigating the rental market.
Wodonga joins a growing list of Victorian communities with a Youth Foyer - including South Morang, Werribee and Mildura - as part of the Labor Government's efforts to tackle youth homelessness.
Through the $50 million Youth Housing Capital Grants, more than 130 new homes will be delivered across the state to give young people the support and housing they need.
As stated by Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing
"It's so important for young people to be given the opportunities and support to access education and all of the benefits it brings - that's why we've built this brand-new Youth Foyer attached to Wodonga TAFE."
"This Youth Foyer offers more than just a roof - it provides 40 apartments, with 24/7 support on hand to help young people stay on track with their studies, learn life skills, and build the confidence to live independently."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"We're proud to back this Education First Youth Foyer in Wodonga, which is helping young people stay engaged in training, TAFE or university, and set themselves up for lifelong success."
