The Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer is a new community-backed initiative supporting young people currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The program offers safe, stable housing combined with pathways into education, work, and community life to help young people thrive. Residents, referred to as "students", sign up to a mutual agreement called the "Deal", committing to progress in six life areas: Education, Employment, Housing and Living Skills, Social Connections, Civic Participation, and Health and Wellbeing.

The Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer provides accommodation for up to 40 young people, aged 16-24, from the Wodonga area and beyond. The Education First Youth Foyer works with young people who are:

• At risk of or currently experiencing homelessness
• Motivated to engage in education, training, or employment.

The Education First Youth Foyer welcomes a diverse group, including young people with Out of Home Care experience, those from crisis accommodation, and young people from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, or with a disability

Some situations will mean a young person may not yet be ‘ready’ for the Education First Youth Foyer program, including:

• A recent history of serious offending e.g. charged or convicted of an offence involving arson, drug trafficking or physical or sexual violence.
• Unmanaged mental illness e.g. recent or repeated hospitalisations, suicide or self-harm attempts.
• Unmanaged alcohol and drug problems e.g. use with negative impacts on self and/or others.

If a young person is not yet ready, Education First Youth Foyer staff will talk with the young person about other housing and support options for them. They are encouraged to reapply once they have taken steps to manage these circumstances.

A young person can apply to the Education First Youth Foyer by completing a ‘Readiness Form,’ available on the Junction Support Services website. They can complete it independently or with support from a worker. Self-referrals are also welcome.

Education First Youth Foyer staff will then undertake an assessment of the young person’s readiness for the Education First Youth Foyer program, which takes into consideration their level of motivation to engage with the program, to further their education, as well as their need.

If the young person is deemed ready, their application will be considered when a vacancy arises.

The Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer is a partnership between:

• Junction Support Services
• Wodonga TAFE
• Beyond Housing
• Brotherhood of St Laurence

The Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer is funded by Homes Victoria and will be contract managed by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

Imagine modern student accommodation with private units where young people can build life skills in a stable, home-like setting. There are also communal spaces where students can study, participate in workshops and connect with their peers.

The Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer is located on the McKoy Street campus of Wodonga TAFE. Built by local construction firms, it is expected to open in early 2025.

There are currently three Education First Youth Foyers in Victoria in Glen Waverley, Broadmeadows and Shepparton. An Education First Youth Foyer has been announced for Wangaratta too. 40 young people live at each of these sites. 

Located on the Wodonga TAFE grounds, the Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer is an education-focused program, and every student participates in the Certificate I in Developing Independence (Cert I in DI) as part of their journey. The Cert I in DI is a formally accredited course delivered on-site by a Wodonga TAFE teacher and Junction Youth Development Coaches. Through this certificate, students build essential life skills like goal setting, planning, navigating housing, and managing change. It also highlights their unique strengths, skills, and aspirations, providing them with a solid foundation for independence.

Wodonga faces unique challenges, including high rental stress and homelessness rates. Despite having the highest proportion of social housing in Ovens Murray, Wodonga experiences significant housing demand and high rates of homelessness. More than one fifth (21%) of low-income households in the area experience rental stress, the highest proportion in regional Victoria. In March 2021, nearly 1500 Ovens Murray households were on the waiting list for social housing, with over 700 households requiring urgent assistance (Infrastructure Victoria 2021). The Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer will provide vital support, offering young people a safe, stable and motivating environment to build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their community.

The Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer will contribute to a vibrant and diverse community, where young people from across the region can further their education, find meaningful work and take steps towards a thriving future, independent of the homelessness and welfare systems. The Foyer project is a community effort, creating job opportunities across construction, social services, and site maintenance, bringing ongoing employment to the area. 

Studies on other Education First Youth Foyers show inspiring results:

• 85% of participants are in work or education one year after leaving.
• Education completion rates rose from 42% to 75% post-program.
• 50% reported better mental health.
• Independent housing increased from 7% to 51% after a year

The Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer fosters a positive, respectful culture that focuses on each young person’s strengths. Young people and staff commit to a mutual “Deal,” setting clear expectations and shared goals. This creates a balanced, supportive community where students feel encouraged to connect, contribute, and work towards their education and other goals. Education First Youth Foyer students are highly motivated and work hard to ensure a positive future for themselves.

Safety is a top priority of the Education First Youth Foyer, and it's reinforced by trained staff who are on-site 24/7. The Foyer fosters a strong sense of community, with clear guidelines in place to address any issues quickly and effectively.

I am a community member...

• Share your networks and local knowledge to support young people.
• Connect young people to local sports, identity groups, and recreation.
• Become a community mentor.

I am a local business or employer...

• Offer in-kind contributions or resources like furniture, kitchen equipment, or technology for the Education First Youth Foyer’s communal areas and units.
• Offer work experience, learning opportunities, or mentorships to help young people build career skills.
• Fund or host special events, community dinners, career days, or wellness workshops.
• Donate tickets or passes to cultural events, museums, or local sporting events to give young people exposure to new experiences.

I am a local service provider...

• Run workshops services, or activities at the Education First Youth Foyer.
• Offer essential support services to young residents.

I’m a philanthropist...

• Fill funding gaps or contribute to specific components of the program. 

For more information or if you want to get involved, please reach out to us at reception@junction.org.au