Foyer Oxford: celebrating 10 years of supporting young people out of homelessness

Former and current residents, staff, volunteers, and supporters of Foyer Oxford are celebrating a decade of providing high-quality housing and holistic support for nearly 800 young people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness in Western Australia over the past decade.

Launched in 2014 by a consortium of Anglicare WA, Foundation Housing, and North Metropolitan TAFE, with support from BHP and the WA Government, Foyer Oxford is a world-class youth homelessness service. Located next to the Leederville Tafe campus, it can house and support 98 residents at any time, including 24 young parents and their children.

Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said Foyer Oxford’s outstanding success was due to this unique combination of accommodation, emotional support, guidance, and foundational skill development.

“All young people deserve a safe, stable home environment filled with encouragement and support, but that’s just not the case for many Western Australians,” Mr Glasson said.

“That’s why the Foyer model works so well – over ten years we have hardly had an empty room. The combination of housing, support, and education and work opportunities, allows our staff to help young people to lay the foundations of their future, however that may look to them,” said Mr Glasson.

“When young people arrive at Foyer Oxford, they’re often in survival mode, and the idea of finding a home seems impossible. Then, you see those same people transition into their own accommodation, engaged with study or work, and well on their way to thriving. It’s a testament to the success of the program and the resilience of the young people we work with”.

Former resident Kim Robinson moved into Foyer Oxford after losing access to safe and stable accommodation.

“I was in a bad place when I moved in. I was socially isolated, depressed, had low self-esteem, low confidence and was very shy.

“My case worker was incredible – it felt like having an angel walk beside you. Having people who were actually interested in me and all my ups and downs, to listen to my worries, to be an advisor, a mentor, a cheerleader… to be the person you did not have growing up. Having encouraging and positive mentors who cared changed my whole outlook on myself and my life.”

Ms Robinson said she will be forever grateful to all the staff at Foyer Oxford for being there for her when she was at her lowest.

“Through Foyer’s support I finished my university degrees, I gained employment related to my university studies, and most importantly, I feel happier and I am safer than I was before.

“I want Foyer to be available to as many young people as possible.”