Housing

Our aims

Strengthening steps towards independence - The Foundation Foyer aims to offer affordable, safe and secure accommodation for 16 young people within a dynamic, supportive community, where housing needs, vocational training requirements, and the development of skills for independent living are addressed together in an integrated and holistic manner.

The Foundation Foyer is a joint project between Milton Keynes Christian Foundation and Midsummer Housing Association. Our aim is to break the no home - no job cycle by providing a comfortable place to live; a training structure with appropriate support and guidance, that will enable young people to move forward towards independence; and a chance to explore new opportunities and, for some, to make a fresh start.

Who is the Foyer for?

The Foundation Foyer is for young people aged between 17 and 25 who are experiencing housing problems and need to develop the skills to be able to live on their own. To be eligible a young person must be homeless, threatened with homelessness or in temporary or unsuitable accommodation. The young person must also be either in or actively seeking training, further education or employment.

What we offer

Single bed-sit units in clusters of three or four sharing kitchen, toilet and shower facilities. There is also a communal laundry, lounge and social room.

Residency is based on a 6 month Licence Agreement which can be extended if appropriate, depending on the progress of your personal action plan. The weekly Licence charge is currently £86.27. Depending on your personal circumstances you may be eligible for housing benefit to help you pay for a proportion of the Licence charge. You will be expected to pay for any amounts not covered by housing benefit.

In house training leading to a recognised City & Guilds qualification to assist you in the development of life skills. We also provide training in literacy and numeracy, First Aid, Basic Food hygiene, work placements, and lots more.

Advice and guidance. We offer advice in housing, benefits, budgeting, independent living skills, health, vocational training, education, and employment. Foyer staff will work with you to assess your current situation and advise you on the options open to you. They will take time to listen to your experiences and establish what skills you have. Together you will develop a Personal Action Plan which will help you to plan for your immediate future, look at longer-term goals and identify the steps you need to make to be equipped for independent living.

A Move on Programme to help you prepare for independent living. 'Denton' is a project of MKCF providing accommodation for 4 residents. Foyer residents can apply to move to ‘Denton’ when ready to move on to more independent living. We are also able to refer residents who have fulfilled their 6 month Licence Agreement to the MK Council Fast Track for nomination for council and housing association properties. Furthermore, we have developed good working relationships with other housing providers in Milton Keynes offering accommodation to young people, as well as being part of a national network of Foyers.

What will be expected of me?

How do I apply?

We normally expect people to be referred to the Foyer by other agencies such as Shelter, YMCA, Youth Information Service, or training providers. However, feel free to contact us directly if you require further information or want to talk about your options. We are open 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday, Tuesday and Friday and 9.30am to 9.00pm Wednesday and Thursday. When we have received a referral we will arrange an interview as soon as possible.

Our contact details are:

Tel: 01908 312843/525090

Fax: 01908 313375

e-mail: foyer@mkchristianfoundation.co.uk

Click here to download our leaflet.