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Empowering Futures
Inspired by the success of Foyer Youth Housing projects worldwide, Anglicare WA, Foundation Housing, and Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation have developed and launched a Foyer development in Broome, Western Australia.
By providing an effective mix of support, housing and opportunity, the Foyer model allows young people experiencing homelessness to thrive beyond formal supports. Foyer Broome has been co-designed to provide a solution that recognises and supports the cultural needs of the Kimberley region.
Solutions Co-Designed for the Kimberley Region
Recognising the unique needs of the Kimberley region, the team collaborated with Innovation Unit, working alongside over 100 local voices over a 5-month period to understand the real challenges facing Aboriginal young people in the Kimberley.
Through the co-design process, we were able to determine seven key design principles for adapting a Foyer model to the needs of young people in the Broome context.
- Smooth transitions into Foyer: Provide relation referral and application pathways with service providers and community leaders. As well as transitional accommodation when relocating from remote communities.
- Bicultural aspirations: Inspired by the Recognition Space Framework, this proposes an adaptation to the central 'Foyer deal' to include young people's most important cultural supports.
- Cultural safety: To mitigate the risks of Western cultural bias in the Foyer model by providing strong cultural governance, ensuring strong connection to kin and country in the navigation of services.
- A calm, safe space: In response to an overwhelming desire from young people to have spaces that provide the focus they need to find their future pathways and have the support to manage the boundary of family obligation and visitors.
- The security of available support: 24/7 staffing and access to a holistic range of supports with a focus on literacy and numeracy, independent‑living coaching, and access to the arts.
- Peer role‑models: Recognition of the instrumental part that role models had played in the development of participants of the codesign and the desire for this to be incorporated in the service delivery.
- Opportunity pathways: Considerations around the methods that might be employed to secure housing provision over the longer term beyond Foyer.
With these guiding principles, we are able to design and develop a Foyer model rooted in culture, community, and opportunity.
Outcomes of the Broome Foyer Youth Housing Project
- Inspired by Success: The project draws inspiration from the national and international success of Foyer Youth Housing in aiding homeless youth.
- Consortium Collaboration: Anglicare WA, Foundation Housing, and Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation formed a consortium to propose the development.
- Contextual Adaptation: Recognising the unique needs of the Kimberley region, the project was tailored to fit the local context.
- Co-Design Process: Innovation Unit led a 5-month co-design process, engaging a diverse 10-person team and over 100 participants.
- Responsive Model: The Foyer model was specifically adapted to address the needs of young Aboriginal people in Broome.
- Community Engagement: Extensive engagement with local stakeholders ensured the model was relevant and effective.
- Holistic Support: The project aims to provide comprehensive support to homeless youth, including housing, education, and employment opportunities.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Emphasis on culturally safe practices and respect for Aboriginal traditions and values.
- Sustainable Development: Focus on creating a sustainable and impactful housing solution for homeless youth in the Kimberley region.
