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Following recent changes to departmental responsibilities, functions of the former Department of Housing and Public Works have been transferred to new departments. Work is underway to develop and update departments' websites.

Partnerships provide tenancy skills for Toowoomba youth

Last updated: 
9 June 2020 4:12PM  
First published: 
9 June 2020 4:11PM

The Toowoomba Housing Service Centre has teamed with YellowBridge Qld, Mission Australia, United Synergies and Australian Red Cross to provide housing solutions for young people at risk of homelessness in Toowoomba. Through the Supporting People in Housing program (SPin Housing) young people aged 16-25 are provided with support to maintain their tenancy and to learn the skills to transition to independence in a share house environment.

Simon, Area Manager of Toowoomba and south West Housing Service Centre, said that the partners have worked collaboratively in developing their approach to have a positive impact for young people at risk in the local community.

“With the opening of the most recent SPin Housing home in Toowoomba, the young people participating in this program are excited about what opportunities lay ahead of them, knowing they have a home and support to find employment or study.”

The first SPin Housing home opened in late 2019, with a second home opened in Toowoomba last month. Centrally located, the 3-bedroom house is close to the main CBD and public transport and was sourced from under-utilised public housing stock.

This approach provides young people with access to an affordable shared home close to employment and education opportunities and enables them to build a positive rental history while maximising the use of public housing stock.

Since the first home was opened in Toowoomba in late 2019, the joint venture with community partners has put into practice one of the key principles from the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017 – 2027 - partnering from impact.

“This partnership brings together housing and support under one roof to give young people every chance of success in maintaining their tenancy and finding their independence,” said Simon.

“The model provides enormous benefits to young people in the local area and great opportunities for the partners to learn from each other,” he said.

Learn more about our housing initiatives and partnerships