Social Housing & Homelessness Concept Paper Foyer Model Youth Foyer Proposed Model Paper

Target Group

Miller Foyer provides a supported accommodation model for 16 to 25 years of age and specifically those:

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  At risk of homelessness, and
  
• 
  Exiting existing services (e.g. SAAP)
  

Programs

A preventative holistic solution offering accommodation where young people can:

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  Get the “living skills” they will need to live independently (through program support).
  
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  Receive case management (through action plan).
  
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  Access existing services (as required).
  

The above is underpinned by a Formal Action Plan, individually agreed and committed to by each young person who enters the campus.

Building

• 29 bed-sit units fully furnished

• Computer Room

• IT Computers - Networked ADSL Internet

• Common Room

• Laundry facility

• Security provisions

• 24 / 7 staffing presence
Picture removed: Student Room
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Picture removed: The Miller Campus
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Picture removed: Student accommodation
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Picture removed: Computer facilities Miller Live N Learn
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Picture removed: Lounge room in Miller Live N Learn
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Eligibility Criteria

The Miller Foyer applies the following criteria to assess eligibility for programs:

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  Offered to young persons 16 – 25 years of age.
  
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  In education or training – enrolled or participating in High School, TAFE or other tertiary course.
  
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  Having a housing need – unable to stay in current living arrangements or current living arrangements unstable.
  
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  Receiving a stable income or Centrelink payment.
  
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  Able to pay a bond (4 weeks rent) or ability to obtain Housing NSW bond through Rent Start Plus.
  
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  Capacity to achieve independence and have low support needs.
  
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  Willing to participate in a community and campus program.
  
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  Pay accommodation costs of $75 - $100 per week (Income linked).
  
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  Compulsory participation in study and programs.
  
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  Agree to monitored Internet usage.
  

Finance and Funding

The following table sets out the income revenue derived and the main expenses the campus incurred in the 2007 - 08 financial year. Of significance is the fees of $47,511 paid to the Foyer Federation Foundation (slightly more than building maintenance costs) and equating to over $1,600 per tenant annually.

Table: Revenue and expenses of campus.

Expenses	Weekly	Annual
Salaries	$6,040.00	$314,080
Program	$1,658.80	$86,258
Building/Maintenance	$890.77	$46,320
Foyer Foundation	$913.67	$47,511
Total expenses	$9,503	$494,169
Cost per person (29 rooms – fully occupied – no voids)	($327.68)	($17,040)
Revenue from operations	$2,025	$105,300
Shortfall	$7,478	$388,869

Sources of referrals to Miller Campus:

The main sources of referral to the Miller Campus was from Homelessness (SAAP funded) Service Providers and Self referrals – see table below.

Table: Source of referrals to Miller Campus.

Sources of Referral	Total Residents		Residents 2007
	Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage	57%
Centrelink	3	4%
Church	2	2%
Community Centre	6	7%	1
School	6	7%	7	18%
Self	20	24%	13	33%
JPET	3	4%	1	3%
PCYC	2	2%
TAFE	4	5%	1	3%
Reconnect	4	5%			43%
SAAP	19	23%	11	28%
DoCS	1	1%	2	5%
Housing NSW	9	11%	1	3%
SWSHS	1	1%
Youth Service	2	2%	3	8%
Totals	82		40

Examples of Youth Foyers - Australia

South Australia

Ladder Youth Foyer Project

Background

The Youth Foyer in South Australia was initially called the SA Foyer Plus project and was supported by the AFL Players Association and AFL Foundation which helped with funding. The Youth Foyer is now referred to as the ‘Ladder’ as named by the AFL Players Association. The ‘Ladder’ organisation is a partnership between the AFL Foundation and the AFL Players Association which work together with a project team to implement the ‘Ladder’ Program.

The idea is that the AFL players will support homelessness young people to become engaged in education, training and life coaching which in turn will help them find opportunities in employment, sport, cultural, social and recreational avenues.

The Ladder program will be the first of its kind in SA as it provides long-term supported housing to young homeless people rather than temporary shelter and links it with training, education and employment - it is a whole of government response to homelessness, youth unemployment, school retention and affordable housing.

Ladder formed a partnership with the Government of South Australia and the Commonwealth Government which has seen the purchase of a building in Port Adelaide. The building is the former Black Diamond Hotel in Port Adelaide and requires extensive renovation. Once renovations are completed it will house 23 formerly homeless youth in self-contained accommodation. The building will also contain common areas, meeting rooms, internet access, office space and a training café. Stage one involves 23 single apartments being built for young people, while stage two includes 17 two-bedroom apartments for single parent families.

The Federal Government contribution to the project is $5.5 million for housing with a State Government contribution of $4 million.

Ladder is based on the Youth Foyer model used in England but has no formal linkages to the Foyer Federation although the original project was to introduce a SA Plus Foyer.
Picture removed: Proposed Ladder building in port Adelaide (former Black Diamond Hotel)
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Examples of Youth Foyers - Australia

Victoria

Ladder Hoddle Street, Collingwood

Background

Ladder Hoddle St is a partnership between Ladder, The Victorian Government (DHS), Melbourne City Mission and Yarra Community Housing. It is looking to build on earlier models of supported accommodation. Ladder Hoddle St is focused on supporting homeless youth to the extent that it provides a living environment that provides stability, social and emotional support, vocational training, health and fitness, and pathways to independent living.

Features

Core Values

Ladder Hoddle St acknowledges all young people’s right to participate and access community resources to enhance their capacity to lead positive and fulfilling lives.

Ladder Hoddle St believes the role of positive adult role models can significantly influence pro-social activity and participation.

That all young people have a right to access stable, secure and affordable housing.

Service Aims

To provide safe, secure and affordable housing for homeless youth or those at risk of homelessness.

Promote and offer vocation, education and training opportunities.

Develop and support the delivery of independent living skills, personal growth, community involvement, and social, recreational activities.

Provide mentoring relationships to assist in skill and community building activities.

Provide intensive case management to ensure current & future access to stable, secure and sustainable housing.

Provide a rental subsidy to eligible participants.

Eligibility

Young People are required to fulfil the follow eligibility criteria to be accepted into the Ladder program:

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  aged 16- 25 years.
  
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  single and without children.
  
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  currently at risk of homelessness or in unstable accommodation.
  
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  receiving income via employment or in receipt of Centrelink benefits.
  
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  have medium to low support needs.
  
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  are currently involved in and motivated to maintain study, training or employment consideration maybe given to people actively seeking these.
  
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  agree to participate in the Ladder programs and casework support.
  
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  willing to be part of the Ladder including participation in the mentoring component of the program.
  
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  willing to communicate, work with, and respect the privacy of the other people living within Ladder.
  
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  committed to encouraging and maintaining a safe environment.
  
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  ability to live within a diverse community incorporating different cultures, religious beliefs, sexualities and disabilities etc.
  
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  prepared to sign a support agreement.
  

Rent

Residents pay a weekly rent of $85 which is inclusive of all amenities and utilities.

Rent is paid under a tenancy agreement with Yarra Community Housing.

Length of Stay

The Ladder program is a structured program that provides for a stay of up to two years.

Building

Ladder Hoddle St is close to busy Victoria Street, Collingwood with access to trams and all amenities including shops, recreation and social activities, educational establishments.

The building is new with a modern facade and provides the following facilities:

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  Twelve furnished self-contained studio apartments, each with own kitchenette and bathroom.
  
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  A large communal room with kitchen facilities.
  
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  Outdoor courtyard and BBQ area for social activities.
  
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  Laundry and cleaning equipment.
  

Picture removed: “Ladder” Hoddle Street, Melbourne
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])
Referral and Assessment

Ladder have established policies for referral and assessment of potential participants in their program. The policies and processes are outlined hereunder:

Process - Applying to be a Ladder resident

Step 1 - Phone Referral

Any agency is able to make a telephone referral for a young person to the program, provided the young person fits the eligibility guidelines.

Initial referrals are recorded on the Ladder Hoddle St referral form with key details noted, including a brief history of the young person’s housing, and suitability for Ladder Hoddle St accommodation.

Outcomes for Step 1

Outcome - Eligible & Vacancy Exists

Ladder Hoddle St staff will send out the appropriate application forms.

Outcome - Eligible but No Vacancy

Ladder Hoddle St will hold no more than 3 applications on its waiting list.

Outcome - Ineligible

When a young person does not fit the initial referral screening criteria, the agency/support worker will be informed by Ladder Hoddle St staff.

Step 2 - Completion of Application Forms

Residential Application Form (young person to complete)

Agency Reference Form (to be completed by referring agency)

Completed forms are mailed or faxed to Ladder Hoddle St

Step 3 - Selection for Interview

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  Completed application forms will then be presented at the next Ladder Hoddle St team meeting for all staff to consider the application.
  
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  Application and Reference Forms allows staff to consider a young person’s current situation, priority of need, their support requirements and is also an assessment of a young persons understanding of the program.
  
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  Young people who are selected for interview must demonstrate some level of stabilisation, motivation and a willingness to participate in the Ladder program. This will be determined through discussion with all Ladder Hoddle St staff.
  

The following are the key domains that this criterion is to be checked against;

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  Personal details
  
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  Accommodation history/current
  
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  Security
  
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  Financial management
  
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  Social interaction
  
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  Activity – recreational involvement/educational/work commitments
  
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  Ladder programs commitment
  
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  Connectedness (other services)
  
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  Support/Personal care
  
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  Physical health
  

Staff will also take into consideration current residents and the “best match” in terms of shared living and group dynamics.

Step 4 - Interview and Engagement

The most comprehensive process occurs following a successful outcome of the above 3 steps. This includes a formal interview with a minimum of 2 Ladder staff members. Areas covered will include:

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  Employment, education & training;
  
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  Relationships and social interaction,
  
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  Life Skills;
  
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  Emotional and personal development;
  
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  Capacity to Goal Set;
  
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  Ability to live in a communal environment.
  

Policy and Stipulations

The following policies and stipulations are made by Ladder Hoddle St:

Waiting List

Given the expected slow turnover of residents at the Ladder Hoddle St, a waiting list policy exists to ensure no more than 3 eligible clients will be kept on the list at any one time.

Ladder Hoddle St staff notify through the various networks/entry points when vacancies become available.

Stipulations

The Ladder Hoddle St team reserves the right to:

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  Decline an application for residency to Ladder Hoddle St.
  
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  Issue Conditions of Entry and outline program expectations.
  
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  Evict residents who breach House Rules, Expectations or Agreement terms (in conjunction with Yarra Community Housing).
  
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  Conduct enquiries as required, in relation to complaints resolution procedures.
  

Confidential Page 26/07/2018