- State's first purpose-built Housing First for Youth accommodation opens in Midland
- Delivered by Indigo Junction, Yaakiny will accommodate 36 young people experiencing homelessness
- Provides a range of accommodation options for young people aged 15 to 25
- Cook Labor Government contributed more than $10 million in capital investment
The Cook Labor Government has today welcomed the opening of new accommodation in Midland for young people experiencing homelessness or housing crisis.
Yaakiny is Western Australia's first purpose-built accommodation service based on a Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) model, which recognises that secure housing is the essential first step in helping young people overcome the challenges they face.
It will provide accommodation for 36 young people, ranging from beds with 24/7 support to independent units, which also have access to 24/7 support. Alongside three existing community-based units, it will enable service provider Indigo Junction to expand its level of support to cover a total of 44 people.
Yaakiny is a Noongar word meaning 'standing tall' and the service is designed to respond to the need for safe housing and support as young people work towards stability and independence.
Yaakiny and the HF4Y program are supported by significant Cook Labor Government investment, including:
- Lotterywest support of more than $5 million to enable refurbishment of existing premises;
- $5.7 million for capital works under the Community Housing New Build Grant program through the Department of Housing and Works; and
- $20.3 million in the 2026-27 Budget for a suite of initiatives for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The HF4Y model is predicated on supporting a young person to obtain and maintain housing as the foundation for all other support.
Accommodation or housing is not time limited, with the focus on meeting the young person 'where they are at' and building their natural supports to create sustainable change.
This funding will supplement the Department of Communities' $29 million investment in 2025-26 on youth homelessness services, including accommodation and support services.
As stated by Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Every young person deserves a safe place to sleep and to be supported to build independence and thrive on their journey to adulthood, which is what Yaakiny will offer.
"I thank Indigo Junction for the excellent services they provide that deliver essential wraparound supports for young people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.
"The Cook Labor Government will continue to collaborate with the community services sector and other government agencies to identify ways to better support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness."
Comments attributed to Housing and Works Minister John Carey:
"Our government is focused on delivering more housing for the most vulnerable members of our community, including young people at risk of homelessness.
"This $10 million investment has enabled Indigo Junction to deliver more crisis and transitional accommodation in Perth's east.
"This project is backed by our record $10.8 billion investment in housing measures, delivering more than 4,400 social and affordable homes since 2021."
Comments attributed to Midland MLA Steve Catania:
"This significant investment by the Cook Labor Government is a fantastic outcome for Midland, delivering accommodation and support for vulnerable young people in our community.
"Indigo Junction has a long and proud history of supporting people experiencing hardship in Midland, and this new facility builds on the incredible work they do to support local young people and families.
"By providing safe, stable accommodation alongside tailored support services, Yaakiny will give young people the opportunity to build independence, develop life skills and create a brighter future for themselves."
