Tayla and Ricky got a house and then created a home

Young couple Tayla and Ricky are grateful for how far they’ve come with the backing of YFS, a family support service in Logan, south-east Queensland.

“When we walked through the front door of YFS we were pretty much both a mess. No house, just our bags and some clothing. We rocked up in tears,” Ricky says.

Through the Thriving Families program, a YFS housing specialist and a family coach worked with the family over two years to support them to find suitable housing, then build the skills to sustain that tenancy, find new housing as their family grew, and work on long-term goals.

“Every goal we’ve had they’ve helped us in any way possible. If they couldn’t, they’ve referred us on to the next person. They’ve never said no.”

YFS Family Coach Jess says the service is so impactful because it takes a holistic approach to supporting young families looking for housing.

“If we just put people in houses and we don’t support them past that then it’s not sustainable,” Jess says.

Ricky and Tayla say they’d be lost without the additional support from YFS.

“We’re good, there’s food in the house, the kids are happy, we’re happy. If it wasn’t for YFS we’d probably be somewhere on the street honestly,” Tayla says.

Earlier this year Hand Heart Pocket partnered with YFS to fund this program with $900,000 over two years.