Shorten is a passionate advocate for equality and a natural fit with the Foyer Foundation’s vision for all young Australians experiencing disadvantage to have a pathway to education, training and employment, founded on access to stable and secure housing.

Shorten’s passion for the rights of children, young people and families will strengthen the Foyer Foundation’s calls for young people and, in some cases young families to have access to safe, secure housing while they engage with education, employment and self identified targets.

“Making this announcement on National Youth Homelessness Matters Day, 15th April 2020, means we are celebrating the appointment of Chloe Shorten and highlighting the need of young people 16-24 year to have access to a homelessness solution such as Youth Foyers,” Katie Hooper, CEO of the Foyer Foundation said.

“I’m pleased to represent the Foyer Foundation and add my voice regarding young people who have experienced homelessness and are now engaging in education and being supported with housing to break the cycle of disadvantage,’’ Shorten said.

“I share the Foyer Foundation’s vision of ensuring that Australia has models that offer a supportive place to live and access to education so they can thrive and reach independence. While this time of Covid 19 is difficult for all, my family are thinking especially of those that are homeless. Young people are especially vulnerable and deserve our support,” she said.

The Foyer Foundation is a national organisation advocating for a new type of approach to youth homelessness – Youth Foyers. Founded on a rigorous evidence base, Youth Foyers combine stable housing for up to two years with opportunities to engage in education, training and employment to break cycles of long-term homelessness and enable these young people to successfully navigate their transition to independence.