Media Release -New youth homes will have life-changing impacts

At least 520 homes for young people experiencing homelessness will be built under $300 million in new Federal Government contracts announced today.

The homes will be the first construction to flow from the $1 billion from the Housing Australia Future Fund Crisis and Transitional Program dedicated to new housing for young people secured and sought by the Home Time campaign.

Home Time spokesperson Shorna Moore said the announcement was a significant step forward.

"Young people with no home have been at the back of the queue in Australian housing policy for thirty years," Ms Moore said. "This funding puts them in it, and that is a decision we strongly endorse."

"A young person who is homeless at 16 needs a stable home and a trusted supporter in their corner. These homes will make a huge difference in young people's lives that goes beyond just having a roof over their head. This can be the gateway to their future, setting them up to thrive and be independent.

“With so many of the young people who need housing experiencing family violence or disengagement from education, these homes have the potential to reshape the course of their lives. The exciting thing about these models is they cover a variety of homes. That’s important because there is such a broad range of circumstances young people are coming from."

Home Time first put the case for targeting housing infrastructure funding to young people to the Federal Minister for Housing in November 2023, backed by University of Sydney modelling on how many tenancies dedicated funding could deliver.

Ms Moore said the campaign would now turn to the support that goes alongside the homes.

"520 homes is a strong start against a need that runs to tens of thousands of tenancies. We must now ensure the support is attached to these homes. We look forward to working with the Government on that, and seeing the first young people move in."

MEDIA CONTACT: Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032