ANGLICARE Southern Queensland has received development approval for a $13 million specialist youth homeless accommodation service in Logan.
The 30-unit accommodation project on Manila Street in Beenleigh is designed to support young people aged 16 to 25 who are either homeless or at significant risk of homelessness.
“Sadly, nearly a quarter of Australians experiencing homelessness are aged between 12 and 24,” Anglicare Southern Queensland CEO Sue Cooke said.
“In particular, the South Brisbane-Logan corridor has a significant shortage of immediate need accommodation for young people facing homelessness.”
It will include 24 studio apartments and six one-bedroom apartments for couples or small families.
The property will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents will receive a suite of wrap-around support services to help improve life skills and increase independence, Cooke said, while providing care and connections are provided through a case-planned process.
“We know that with stable housing and the right support network, young people can positively change their life trajectory by securing employment, education, and long-term housing,” Cooke said.
Cooke said the location has been chosen as it is close to public amenities including shopping centres, business and civic centres, a local sports centre, public green spaces, and has convenient access to public transport.
Construction is due to commence in late 2024, creating several local jobs and an economic boost for the area, and is expected to be completed in late 2025.
Anglicare Southern Queensland is a significant provider of youth homeless accommodation and services in south-east Queensland. Specialised services in Beenleigh, Cleveland and Mt Gravatt have seen 46,511 hours of support provided for women and young people experiencing homelessness over 2022-23.
“At Anglicare, we’re here to help those at risk to find a home, but we know we can’t do it alone. We are seeking corporate donors and partners to help realize this important community project and welcome in-kind or financial contributions of any size,” Cooke said.
Elsewhere in Logan, four three-bedroom homes and one four-bedroom homes were set to be demolished for the Logan rail upgrade have just been relocated to Woodridge and Kingston to be repurposed for social housing. Last year, CHL completed a social housing development at Logan Reserve for 22 residents selected from the Housing Register, backed by a $5.86 million investment from the state government.
