The new Woden Education First Youth Foyer (Woden EFY) is now open, providing supported accommodation to young people aged 16 to 24 experiencing or at risk of homelessness who want to engage with education.
Young people can stay at the youth foyer for up to two years and receive culturally safe support to build their independence through training, activities and opportunities.
The youth foyer provides support across six areas: education, employment, health and wellbeing, social connections, civic participation, and housing and living skills.
The project was funded with $10 million from the Australian Government and $1.185 million from the ACT Government.
Operated by Marymead CatholicCare (MCCG), in partnership with the Canberra Institute of Technology and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, the youth foyer features:
- accommodation for 20 young people with a mix of single-occupancy studios and apartments for single parents and their children
- two fully accessible rooms for residents with disabilities
- 24/7 support from trained Youth Development Coaches, providing one‑to‑one coaching to help students stay engaged in education, build independence and work toward their goals
- strong connections to education, employment and community networks that help students achieve their goals and transition into adulthood.
It also provides access to the Certificate I in Developing Independence (via CIT and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence). This accredited course focuses on practical life skills such as goal setting, navigating housing and planning for work or further study.
The front door to accessing accommodation at the Woden EFY Foyer is via the ACT's central intake service, FIRST Canberra (1800 176 468). Young people are also able to self-refer to the Woden EFY Foyer via MCCG's website.
This is the second youth foyer in Canberra, in addition to the Our Place Youth Foyer in Braddon, which supports up to 30 young people and is managed by Barnardos.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The Youth Foyer provides a bridge to essential training and education for young people who have missed out, creating opportunities to engage with the community and start a valuable career pathway.
"Establishing the Youth Foyer at Woden's CIT campus was a commitment we made in 2022, and I am proud to see this crucial service for young Canberrans now operating."
Quotes attributable to Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher:
"Youth Foyers have a strong track record of helping vulnerable young people stay engaged in education, find work and secure housing.
"For Canberra, this investment means more young people will get the extra support they need to build their independence and shape their future."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Homes, Homelessness and New Suburbs, Yvette Berry MLA:
"Homelessness can have a devastating impact on a young person's future, which is why the youth foyer model is so important. It provides accommodation and evidence-based support to young people who can't live at home, allowing them to reach their full potential.
"The Woden Education First Youth Foyer will be more than just a home for the young people who live here. It will provide the wrap-around services they need to help them complete their education, graduate to independent living and fully participate in the community.
"Evidence shows that the youth foyer model works, with the majority of young people transitioning into stable housing and employment after leaving."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bean David Smith:
"We know how important education is to breaking people out of cycles of disadvantage. The Woden Education First Youth Foyer will allow for some of the most marginalised people in our community to not only receive quality education, but also all the supports necessary to thrive in that education.
"I am proud to be a member of a Labor Government committed to helping people in or communities flourish, regardless of their circumstances or background. This is another example of two strong Labor Governments working together for Canberra."
Quotes attributable to Anne Kirwan, CEO of Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn:
"We are delighted to be part of this meaningful Canberra initiative alongside our partners BSL, CIT and HCSD, delivering housing that is purposefully integrated with education.
"The Woden Education First Youth Foyer places young people at the centre, supporting self‑determination and demonstrating what community collaboration can achieve for student success."
Quote attributable to Corin Moffatt, Co-CEO of The Foyer Foundation:
"When we invest in the right support, young people facing homelessness don't just survive - they thrive. Across Australia, Youth Foyers have seen over 80% of young people exit into safe and stable housing, with four in five engaged in education or employment when they leave.
"We're excited to see the difference that Woden will make, and what young people in the region achieve with the right support."
Quote attributable to Mark Cox, Lead Youth Service of The Brotherhood of St. Laurence:
"Education First Youth Foyers have shown that when you bring housing, education and support together, you can fundamentally shift the trajectory of a young person's life. We know what it takes to make an EFY Foyer work, and we're committed to sharing that expertise with our partners in the ACT."
