Australia’s first purpose-built supported accommodation for young people who’ve experienced foster care shows what works, and with the risk of homelessness increasing, we need more of them.
If it takes a village to raise a child, Foyer Central has spent 5 years helping young people build their own village by supporting them to find pathways to employment, education and independence.
Young people who’ve been in foster care often face an uphill journey and are more likely to experience homelessness, struggle to find work and have contact with the justice and child protection systems. Foyer Central, established in 2021, supports young people to break that cycle of disadvantage – encouraging them to back themselves and create their own opportunities.
CEO of Uniting NSW.ACT Tracey Burton, says the need is greater than ever.
“At a time when housing is such a critical issue across the community, it’s more important than ever that we help young people find stable accommodation and build the foundations for a thriving future.
“Every young person leaving care should have a strong start in adulthood and deserves the kind of support that many take for granted from their families. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but for young people who are ready, Foyer Central is incredibly empowering and effective.
“The community needs more Foyers like this so we can provide more help for more young people who need it.”
The facility offers 53 purpose-built studio apartments for young people aged 18-22 to live in for up to 18 months. Residents are supported by a dedicated team offering one-on-one skills development coaching, and guidance on education and employment.
Five years in, the figures point to the strength of the Foyer Central supported-accommodation model:
- 182 young people from around the country have called Foyer Central home, and 116 have finished their tenancies
- More than a quarter (27%) who have left Foyer Central have gone on to secure private rental accommodation
- 49% the young people now living at Foyer Central are studying or are enrolled to study in TAFE, university or other education
- 47% of the young people now living at Foyer Central are employed, many in hospitality, construction, childcare or customer service.
Referrals have consistently exceeded capacity – and demand is still rising. The service has now received more than 851 referrals in total, with 202 of those received in its fifth year.
KD Climpson, 18, is a resident and Foyer Ambassador - he says the supportive environment has helped him reframe what’s possible after growing up in the foster care system. He has completed a Certificate IV in Community Services and commenced a Certificate III in Fitness since moving into Foyer Central in August 2025.
“I definitely see myself reflecting back on days like this, when there was so much I’ve still got to learn. I’m just really excited to see how much growth I make, mainly with the support of Foyer Central.”
“All the staff are here for the right reasons. Just knowing that they always show up and they’re always going to be there for us – they create a welcoming environment.”
“My long-term goal is to have my own accommodation, to have my own space and to have full control of my life.”
Charlie, 22, says the time he spent at Foyer Central before moving into private rental accommodation, equipped him to be able to live independently for the first time.
“I think Foyer Central was the stepping stone of my life."
“You go from a quite a sheltered foster parent place to somewhere where everyone wants to be your friend, everyone comes with different wavelengths, everyone’s past is different. I think I’d be a different person without it. You get a lot of experience.”
Uniting NSW.ACT operates Foyer Central in partnership with the NSW Government, St George Community Housing (SGCH), Social Ventures Australia and the City of Sydney. The facility is part of the Foyer Foundation’s network of 18 Youth Foyers around Australia providing accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness. The Foyer Foundation aims to have 50 Foyers nationally by 2030.
Foyer Central is the first and only service catering specifically for young people who have experienced foster care.
Young people aged 18 to 22 with lived experience of foster care and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can find out more about the program by visiting uniting.org/foyercentral.
Watch KD talk about his story and Foyer Central here.
About us:
About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through community services, spiritual care social impact and advocacy. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
Contact details:
Annabel McGilvray
Media and Public Affairs Manager
0403 411 385
[email protected]
