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

Picture removed: Aberdeen Foyer New additions
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Northern Ireland

Background

Northern Ireland has 3 Foyers serving homeless (or at risk of homelessness) youth. They are the Strand Foyer located in Londonderry, the Flax Foyer and the Belfast Foyer both located in Belfast, Ireland. The Strand and Flax Foyer both serve youth aged 16-25, while the Belfast Foyer (the first Foyer to open in Northern Ireland in 1997) serves youth aged 17-26. Northern Ireland has high levels of unemployed youth.

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

Belfast Foyer

Belfast Foyer was the first opened in Northern Ireland in 1997 as a project of the Simon Community (Northern Island) and Belfast Improved Housing. The Belfast Foyer is an accredited member of the Foyer Federation of the UK.

Features

It provides supported accommodation for 17 - 26 year old single people who are in or are seeking Employment, Training or Education.

Accommodation:

There are 42 bedsits in the Foyer and laundry facilities on the ground floor.

All the rooms are en-suite, with their own cooking facilities and a telephone which can receive direct incoming calls and some bedsits have disabled facilities.

Location:

The Foyer is centrally located sited at 3-5 Malone Road, in south Belfast and is a short walk away from Queen's university, and a few minutes bus ride from Belfast's city centre. The Foyer is well served by public transport, shops, banks and a post office.

In-house training and employment opportunities are offered to Foyer residents and each resident must be involved in some level of training, employment or education, as accommodation is tied to a level of activity in one or more of these areas.

The Foyer aims to offer a holistic service to develop each resident to the point where they can move to their own accommodation with greater self-esteem, employment or qualifications, an awareness of the services available to them in the community and improved independent living skills.

Support Programs

Belfast Foyer provides tailored programmes designed to help residents achieve sustainable independence. Training is available to assist with budgeting, personal development, living skills and resettlement. In addition there is a computer suite which has fast ADSL internet access.
Picture removed: Computer facilities at Belfast Foyer
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Picture removed: Conference facilities (also available for external users)
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])
England

Focus E15 Foyer London

The Focus E15 Foyer is the largest foyer in the UK Foyer movement and provides services to the young people of the London Borough of Newham on both a residential or non-residential basis. Since opening in 1996, Focus E15 has been at the development forefront of the UK Foyer movement through initiatives such as developing and instigating a mandatory accredited lifeskills programme for residents.

Focus E15 has an open door service for young people living in Newham who want to access employment and training services.

Picture removed: Focus E15 London Foyer
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Picture removed: Barking and Dagenham Foyer London
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])
The Barking and Dagenham Foyer is a new, purpose built foyer in Barking town centre. The foyer works with and engages young people who live in and around Barking and Dagenham. It is able to provide a wide range of services to young people in partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and other local organisations.

The foyer service works to help young people move through to independence using a two-stage accommodation system with local service providers to ensure that every foyer resident gets full opportunities to succeed.

There are five types of accommodation that are offered to youth:

First stage: 48 units

Second stage: 36 units

Young parents: 12 units

High dependency: 12 units

Assessment: 4 units

Picture removed: First Step Assessment Centre
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])
First Step Assessment Centre

Several London Foyers have set up an assessment centre that is called “First Step” that provides a residential or non residential assessment service. There are 22 residential places at any time for young persons seeking to enter a Foyer. The assessment process usually takes from 6 to 10 weeks with the young person engaged in the process throughout.

If both the young person and the First Step team agree a foyer is appropriate, the young person will be admitted to a foyer. Where the assessment process concludes that a foyer is not appropriate the Centre assists the young person in finding more suitable accommodation that can better meet their needs and aspirations.

The service aims are to look into the background of the young person and conduct assessments to ensure that the foyer programme is best suited to their needs and aspirations. The assessment process works out the appropriateness of the foyer in terms of helping:

• 
  the young person to define and meet their career goals.
  
• 
  overcome the problems and challenges they might be facing.
  
• 
  secure and provide any specialist support the young person might need.
  

Birmingham Foyer

The Midland Heart Foyer (Birmingham Foyer) is operated by Midland Heart Ltd a Charitable housing association that is one of the top ten housing and regeneration groups in the England.

Features

Users: 80

Service: Youth aged 16 – 25 years

The Foyer accommodation comprises 80 single bedrooms - all en-suite; with shared facilities and a training room and IT suite on site.

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

The Foyer program is open for young people aged 16-25 years old in housing need and who are willing to engage with employment, education and training opportunities whilst living at the Foyer. Young people are required to complete a risk and needs assessment and affordability assessment before an offer of accommodation is made. The maximum length of stay is 2 years. The Foyer is staffed 24 hours per day and staff provide housing related support to enable young persons to gain the skills required to move on to independent living. Self referrals are also accepted. This scheme is accredited by the Foyer Federation.

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

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

Picture removed: Birmingham Foyer Meeting Room
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Examples of Youth Foyers

Ireland

Cork Foyer

Background:

The Cork Foyer was established in 2006 and is owned and managed by Cork City Council. The Foyer was a Convent Complex that is within walking distance of the City Centre. The property needed major renovation works which modernised the accommodation.

Features

Cork Foyer provides a unique combination of safe and affordable accommodation, support and training under one roof for 18 young adults aged 18 – 25, that were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Using a multi-agency approach, the Foyer aims to meet the needs and rights of young adults, whilst offering a dynamic and supportive community where Foyer residents receive information, advice and guidance on:

• 
  Vocational Training and Education
  
• 
  Employment
  
• 
  Housing
  
• 
  Personal Wellbeing
  
• 
  Welfare Benefits
  
• 
  Development of Skills for Independent Living
  

Cork Foyer encompasses resident empowerment, as young people will only progress when equipped with the necessary skills to do so. Cork Foyer demonstrates a two-way involvement in the service between staff and residents, building self-confidence and self-esteem, enabling residents to begin a journey of self independence. Other services include:

• 
  tailor made Support Plan’s focusing on the holistic needs of the individual
  
• 
  designated Project Worker
  
• 
  staff support with a range of personal support issues
  
• 
  access to internal & external training options and FETAC certified courses
  
• 
  a stable living environment that encourages young adults to support one another
  
• 
  assistance with finding appropriate move on accommodation
  
• 
  resident participation opportunities through organised events
  

Young persons are required to sign an initial Licence (Rent) Agreement that allows them to stay at the Foyer for up to 6 months (subject to regular reviews) and may be extended up to a maximum of 2 years. The average length of stay is generally is between 8 – 12 months.

There is a weekly Licence Fee of approx A$190 per week for Foyer accommodation. A rent allowance is available for eligible young persons towards the Licence Fee (rent). The level of Rent Allowance awarded depends on a young persons current circumstances which are individually assessed by a Welfare Officer. Residents are usually expected to pay approximately A$45 per week personal contribution towards heating and lighting.

Picture removed: Cork Foyer
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])
Picture: Cork Foyer laundry area
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])
Examples of Youth Foyers

United States of America

US FOYERS

General

Youth Foyers are relatively new to the US compared to the United Kingdom and France where youth foyers are well established. The first youth foyer in the US was established in 2003 by the Salvation Army in Saint Paul, Minisotta closely followed by the Chelsea Youth Foyer in New York set up by Commonground.

These foyers were set up following the principles established by the UK model but only the Chelsea Foyer choose to be registered with the UK Foyer Federation.

The original two youth foyers set up in the US have been provided as examples, These are:

1. 
   The Booth Brown House Youth Foyer in Saint Paul, Minisotta; and
   
2. 
   The Chelsea Youth Foyer in New York City.
   

United States of America

New York

Chelsea Foyer

Background

The Common Ground Organisation in New York partnered with the Good Shepherds Services to create the Chelsea Foyer in 2003. The Youth Foyer is housed in a Common Ground Residence “The Christopher” (formally a YMCA) built originally in 1904, the building provides 207 units of permanent supportive housing for low-income or formerly homeless adults and persons living with HIV/AIDS.

The Chelsea Foyer (Youth Foyer) at The Christopher provides 40 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who are aging out of foster care, homeless, or at-risk of homelessness with supported transitional housing in a mixed setting.

The Chelsea Foyer was approved by the United Kingdom Foyer Federation as an endorsed international overseas Foyer project. It was the first foyer in the United States to be endorsed in this way. Ultimately, the goal of the Foyer is to prepare residents for permanent housing and economic self-sufficiency – pursuing jobs with benefits to avoid the need for public assistance.

Features

Residents live in suites or studio style apartments and participate in an individualised program of services for up to 24 months. Young people receive on-site case management and life-skills development services and linkages to job training and placement, educational, and vocational resources.

Residents must apply to be part of the program and once accepted, they are required to hold at a minimum a part-time job to support their daily needs and help them save for the future. They contribute a program fee, determined by income, in lieu of rent, which is deposited in a savings account and returned to them when they successfully complete the program.
Picture removed: The Christopher Building New York that houses the Chelsea (Youth) Foyer.
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Programs

Good Shepherd Services actually operates the Youth Foyer and provides programs for young people resident in the Foyer such as education, career and other assistance which are specifically tailored to the circumstances of young persons preparing for independence. In addition, Common Ground staff offer programs and activities to foster the community life of the building. These include financial literacy and tax preparation workshops; nutritional counselling; museum outings, and classes and workshops covering topics such as sculpture and song writing.

Various organisations also provide other programs and services that help tenants put their lives back on track and manage their housing, careers and health needs. The Centre for Urban Community Services is also available to all tenants of the Christopher to assist in providing these services.

Property Management

Property management services, including 24-hour security, are provided by Common Ground’s affiliated (not for profit) property management company, Common Ground Management.

Building

The building, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art security system, features a spacious lobby, a computer laboratory, a fitness centre and 24-hour laundry facilities.

The Christopher was built with environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo flooring and counter tops made from recycled materials, and includes a green roof, which reduces run-off water and carbon emissions and creates energy savings.

All rooms in the Chelsea (Youth) Foyer are fully furnished and have private baths, ceiling fans and kitchenettes that include cooking ranges.

Picture removed: Youth Foyer residents and staff in meet and greet.
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])
Picture removed: Youth Foyer residents in kitchenette area.
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Picture removed: Lobby area at ‘The Christopher’ building - Chelsea Foyer
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Picture removed: 24 Hour security facilities at Chelsea Foyer
(for a full copy of this document with images contact Satnam Singh [phone] or Nicole Moore [phone])

Referral Process

The referral process is formal and requires a referral organisation (Crisis Centre) to complete applications plus a clinical packet, which includes a psychiatric evaluation, psychological evaluation, and full psychosocial report. Once the Chelsea Foyer receives a referral from the referral organisation staff of the Foyer schedule an informational meeting and interview with the homeless person.

A young person must go to certain Crisis Centres in order to be formally referred to the Chelsea Foyer such as the Covenant House Crisis Centre, Streetworks Loft, or Ali Forney Centre. The Crisis Centre staff is responsible for working with the young person to work out if they are ready/eligible for a transitional housing program.

Once the Chelsea Foyer receives referral information, a staff member calls a person to schedule an informational meeting and interview. The young person is interviewed by staff to determine if they are suitable for the Foyer program and willing to commit to an agreement to undertake education or training and meet the requirements of living in the Youth Foyer.

Finance/ Funding

Capital funding for building/renovations etc. was US$30,400,000 (US$9,000,000 for acquisition and US$21,400,000 for redevelopment).

The annual operating budget of the Christopher is US$2.0 million, with rent and other government subsidies covering the building’s basic operating expenses. All residents sign a lease and agree to tenancy arrangements. To be eligible for residency, tenants must earn less than 60% of the area’s median income. Monthly rents are set at approximately 30% of a tenant’s gross annual income.

Examples of Youth Foyers -Australia

Australian Foyers

General

Youth Foyers are relatively new to Australia with the first small scale operational foyer in Australia set up by Southern Youth and Family Services Association Incorporated (SYFS) in NSW which established the “Garden Court” youth foyer in 1977. This was followed by a larger 29 room facility, called the “Miller Live N Learn Campus” which opened in 2003. The Live N Learn foyer was established in the Sydney suburb of Miller NSW and offered skills learning and stable accommodation in self contained campus style units for up to 29 young people.

Both of these foyers were established with the assistance of government funding and developed in partnership with community agencies. Live N Learn was initiated by the NSW Department of Housing as a way to offer better solutions for youth at risk of homelessness or youth exiting shorter-term accommodation. As an independent, not-for-profit company, Live N Learn followed foyer principles and applied a holistic approach to the needs of youth who required ongoing support in order to re-establish themselves and stop a transition to chronic homelessness and unemployment.

Since these initial two Youth Foyers there has been considerable activity in most Australian States to set up and operate youth foyers similar to the model operating in the United Kingdom. The Ladder organisation has been involved in the establishment of Youth Foyers in Melbourne and Adelaide. The organisation was created by the AFL Players’ Association and AFL Foundation in 2007 to address the issue of youth homelessness across Australia.

Ladder is partnering with State and Federal Governments as well as the philanthropic, corporate and industry service provider sectors across Australia to set up Youth Foyers. They hope to create a Ladder youth homelessness facility in every state where AFL football is played.

The Youth Foyers or similar models that have been set up in Australia are looked at herunder.

Examples of Youth Foyers -

Australia
Illawarra Foyer, NSW

Background

The Southern Youth and Family Services Association Incorporated (SYFS) was established in 1977. SYFS is an independent, local community-based benevolent organisation and a Registered Authority to Fund Raise (Charity). It delivers services in the Southern part of NSW including the Illawarra, the Shoalhaven and the Southern Tablelands as well as delivering one Program Nationally.

SYFS ran a Pilot Project funded through the Area Assistance Program to develop and promote a Mini Foyer Model of accommodation and employment, education and training run from premises at ‘Garden Court’.

This initiative provided accommodation and employment, training and education support ‘under one roof’ for 15 to 23 year-olds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to improve employment prospects.

This project was not an official Foyer Foundation model.

Features

Overview

‘Garden Court’ now provides medium to long term accommodation for young people from 18 to 24 years of age who are involved in employment, education and training. The services aims to provide assistance to young people where they can improve their living situations, locate and move to independent living and gain assistance with employment, education and training options.

The service provides:

- medium to long term housing

- assistance with employment, education and training

- support, advocacy, information

- living skills, social skills and personal development

- liaison with other agencies

- assessment, intervention, basic counselling and mediation

Young people use onsite training facilities to help them with study, research, personal development, skills development and looking for work.

An evaluation of the service found that the service was good at meeting the needs of young clients. The evaluation reported that offering support for issues which affected a client’s housing situation led to increased housing stability.

The service was also very successful in supporting Indigenous young people in culturally-appropriate ways.

Garden Court is presently unfunded.

Examples of Youth Foyers -

Australia

Australia

Miller Foyer, NSW

Background

The Miller Foyer was set up by the Department of Housing NSW when a Campus location was confirmed in 2000. It took several years to set up the Foyer once a building and the Live N Learn Foundation was established. The Miller Foyer is now called the Live N Learn Campus and is no longer officially recognised as a Foyer with the Live N Learn Foundation severing it ties with the Foyer federation in 2008.

The following provides an outline of the history of the Foyer and programs delivered:

2000 - Campus location confirmed and Live N Learn Foundation established.

2002 - Corporate partnership program Final Report

- Initial funding sourced (Premiers and Department of Housing)

- Building upgrade commenced.

- Management Services Provider appointed after public tender process.

2003 - Miller (pilot) Campus launched.

- Management Services Provider company resigned.

- Live N Learn Foundation takes over management.

2004 - Campus reaches full occupancy.

- Break Through Mentoring - Partnership funded.

2006 - Joint funding arrangement commences (Department of Housing and Department of Community Services)

2008 - OFT funding to upgrade 2 core programs (Live N Learn @ Home, Live N Learn to Independence).

- ties severed with Foyer Federation

Features

Overview

Live N Learn Campus is located at 97 Cabramatta Avenue in Miller, NSW and is run by the Live N Learn Foundation. The Campus is close to local shops, library, high school and TAFE. Amenities such as a 100m swimming pool, gym, basketball, volley ball courts and sports ovals all within a few minutes walk.