New accommodation helps young people experiencing homelessness

• State's first purpose-built Housing First for Youth accommodation opens in Midland
• Delivered by Indigo Junction, Yaakiny will accommodate 36 young people experiencing homelessness
• Provides a range of accommodation options for young people aged 15 to 25

Yaakiny is Western Australia's first purpose-built accommodation service based on a Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) model, which recognises that secure housing is the essential first step in helping young people overcome the challenges they face.

It will provide accommodation for 36 young people, ranging from beds with 24/7 support to independent units, which also have access to 24/7 support. Alongside three existing community-based units, it will enable service provider Indigo Junction to expand its level of support to cover a total of 44 people.

Yaakiny is a Noongar word meaning 'standing tall' and the service is designed to respond to the need for safe housing and support as young people work towards stability and independence.

Yaakiny and the HF4Y program are supported by significant Cook Labor Government investment, including:

• Lotterywest support of more than $5 million to enable refurbishment of existing premises;
• $5.7 million for capital works under the Community Housing New Build Grant program through the Department of Housing and Works; and
• $20.3 million in the 2026-27 Budget for a suite of initiatives for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The HF4Y model is predicated on supporting a young person to obtain and maintain housing as the foundation for all other support.

Accommodation or housing is not time limited, with the focus on meeting the young person 'where they are at' and building their natural supports to create sustainable change.

This funding will supplement the Department of Communities' $29 million investment in 2025-26 on youth homelessness services, including accommodation and support services.

Read the full statement here