A planned housing complex for young people facing homelessness is moving closer to construction after securing federal funding.
The federal government has announced $12.6m to deliver 18 new crisis and transitional homes for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Queensland senator Corinne Mulholland said the funding from the Housing Australia Future Fund – Crisis and Transitional (HAFF-CT) program will transform a vacant plot of land at 230 Main Road in Maroochydore.
Construction is scheduled to commence in coming months and should be completed by the end of next year, with the aim of being operational in 2028.
The purpose-built development is expected to give young people a safe and secure place to live while they access support and work towards more stable housing.
The project is expected to assist about 75 young people every year, with an anticipated average stay of around 13 weeks, depending on the needs of each young person.
The specialist homelessness service is set to provide culturally safe and appropriate support for First Nations young people, as well as young people from culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds.
As the project proponent, the state government selected the location and provided the land and will pay the ongoing operational costs of the specialist accommodation service.
Senator Mulholland said the facility should make a significant difference.
“For a young person facing homelessness, having somewhere safe to stay can be the difference between a short-term crisis and a much longer period without a stable home.”
“And we know there’s an acute need here on the Sunny Coast, given the rental squeeze and difficulty of finding a place to live here.
“This project will provide not just a roof over someone’s head, but a pathway towards stability by providing these young people with access to support workers who’ll help them look for permanent housing.
Queensland minister for housing and public works Sam O’Connor looked forward to the complex opening.
“Every young Queenslander deserves a safe place to call home and the support they need to build the future they aspire to,” he said.
“These 18 new homes will be a stepping stone for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to provide the land for this project, and we will fund the 24/7 specialist support services that will give young people the foundation they need to move towards safe, stable, longer-term housing.”
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