Many of the social problems faced by youth (crime, substance abuse, solicitation) can develop from difficulties in sourcing suitable, safe, affordable accommodation.

Statistics show there are approximately 6000 homeless youth in Queensland, with some 3000 estimated to be in Brisbane.

Young people need clean, affordable, safe places in which to live. Without suitable accommodation, there is almost no chance of a return to mainstream employment or education.

Our Objectives are

• Work toward providing a safe and secure place for young people to live, therefore removing them from environments of distress and suffering.
• Source suitable vocational training and work placements in order to maximize the chances of gaining long-term employment.
• Train the youth in suitable life skills, and lead them away from transient lifestyles and towards a stable home environment.

The strategies to reach the objectives are

• Build / purchase / rent a large house or small block of units suitable for housing 8 – 12 currently homeless youth (ages 13 – 25)
• Provide the accommodation at an affordable, but not unsustainable level.
• Mentor and train the youth in areas such as :
  - Financial skills
  - Cooking Skills
  - Workplace skills (IT, communications)
• Develop a YMCA Meals for the Homeless kitchen / restaurant and/or “Opp. Shop” to provide on-the-job work placement for homeless youth within this establishment.
• This program is supported by the intention of expanding the Affordable Housing Program to  Logan City where units will be constructed. area. The expected commencement date of this project is 2010/2011.