Homeless youth get fresh start with Foyer

YOUNG people at risk of homelessness will get a fresh start at life thanks to a €3 million centre officially opened in Cork yesterday.

Housing Minister Noel Ahern toured the city’s first Foyer project based in the former Assumption Convent in Blackpool and met its first residents.

He was greeted by was Rory Canning, 20, who’s been living there since March 2. Rory comes from a broken home and had been living in Mount St Joseph’s home in Passage West, a fully dependent unit, since he was 11.

He doesn’t know where his family is, but said his new home in the Foyer offers him hope and a fresh start at independent life.

“It really is a great project. I came from a fully dependent unit and this is a semi-dependent unit. I have my own front door key,” he said.

“I have a big room with a big TV and a PlayStation. I’m told I have a ‘host’ personality so the others come in to my room and chill out on my couch.”

The multi-agency-supported Foyer helps rebuild the lives of young people like Rory aged between 18 and 25 and who are at risk of homelessness by providing them with a range of social, educational, training and health supports.

It is designed to help break the cycle of homelessness by also helping them with the transition from dependence to independence.

It works with the county council, the health service executive, the Simon community, FÁS, the VEC, St Vincent de Paul, the City Enterprise Board and the gardaí.

Rory said he attends training every morning on everything from tenant rights issues to healthy living.

“They have a breakfast club which tells you things about eating a healthy balanced breakfast and the importance of a good balanced lunch,” he said.

“I’m here for a six-month contract first but that can be renewed. I’m looking for employment and would hope to get my own place soon.”

Rory finished secondary school but said he hopes to further his education by studying architecture.

The centre was developed by the city council as part of its 2001 to 2003 homelessness strategy. Mr Ahern and city manager Joe Gavin yesterday thanked the Little Sisters of the Assumption for selling the former convent to the council two years ago.

Mr Gavin said he was delighted the building would continue to offer care in the community as the Sisters did. The people of Blackpool were also praised for supporting the project.

Graffiti Theatre company is based in the convent’s former chapel and there are plans to develop a community playground and amenity area to the rear of the building.