In collaboration with key partners, Platform Youth Services has taken significant steps to address youth homelessness in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. With the launch of two newly established housing projects ‘75’ and ‘Lemongrove House’ young people in Penrith now have access to safe and stable accommodation and support in achieving their education and independence goals.

Through a partnership with Link Wentworth Housing, Platform has secured a new residence, dedicated to supporting six young people as they pursue their education goals. This unique initiative offers accommodation for up to two years, providing young people with a secure home environment alongside on-site support from the Platform team.

Adding a touch of warmth and comfort, Temple & Webster generously donated $41,022 worth of furniture and art to the new accommodation project, ensuring the house feels like a home. The company also provided 8 dedicated team members who worked on-site to assemble the furniture and put the final touches on the space, making it a welcoming and inspiring environment for its new residents.

“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors who have been so generous,” stated Platform CEO, Stephanie Oatley. “Fitting out a house to accommodate 6 young people would not be possible without their support.”

Lemongrove House, which was previously used as an office space, has now been reverted back into a medium-term accommodation for six young people, offering a home for up to 12 months. This initiative aims to support residents in developing the skills and stability needed to transition into independent living.

The transformation of Lemongrove House was made possible through the unwavering support of the Property Industry Foundation, who provided $10,000 worth of furniture. Additionally, workplace charity teams from Mirvac dedicated their time and effort on-site as part of a workplace charity day, where they constructed furniture and styled the house to create a truly comfortable and homely space.

These housing projects are part of Platform Youth Services’ broader mission to provide young people with not only safe housing but also access to the support, resources, and mentorship they need to thrive.

If you know of a young person needing support, please refer them to Platform Youth Services. Likewise, if you would like to support any of our future initiatives, please contact us on 47 600 800.

Youth homelessness is a pressing issue in Australia, affecting thousands of young individuals and families across the nation. It encompasses situations where individuals aged 12 to 24 lack stable, safe, and adequate housing. This can manifest as sleeping rough, staying in temporary accommodations, or residing in severely overcrowded dwellings.

Current Statistics on Youth Homelessness

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, approximately 122,494 people were experiencing homelessness on any given night. Notably, children and young people constitute a significant portion of this demographic:

• Children Under 12 Years: According to Homelessness Australia one in seven people experiencing homelessness are children under 12 years old.

• Young People Aged 12-24 Years: Homelessness Australia reports that almost one in four (23%) of those experiencing homelessness are young people between 12 and 24 years old.

These figures underscore the vulnerability of young Australians to homelessness and highlight the need for targeted interventions which Platform Youth Services is actively servicing.

Trends and Percentage Increases

Between the 2016 and 2021 Census periods Community Directors Institute reported the number of young Australians identified as homeless increased by 2,500, reaching a total of 46,000.

This rise indicates a growing crisis that demands immediate attention and action.

Causes of Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness arises from a complex interplay of factors, often rooted in personal, familial, and structural issues. Key contributors include:

1. Family and Domestic Violence: A significant driver, many young people flee homes where they experience abuse and violence. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 34% of children and young people presenting alone for homelessness services have experienced domestic and family violence.

2. Housing Crisis: The lack of affordable and stable housing options forces many young individuals into homelessness. In 2019–20, 17% of young people aged 15–24 sought assistance from specialist homelessness services due to a housing crisis. AIHW

3. Family Breakdown: Conflict within the family unit, including parental separation and reconstituted families, can lead to young people leaving home prematurely.

4. Mental Health Issues: There is a strong correlation between mental health challenges and homelessness. In 2021-22, around 82,500 people with a current mental health condition received support from a specialist homelessness service.

5. Economic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and sudden life changes, such as job loss or the death of a loved one, can precipitate homelessness. These events can disrupt a young person’s ability to maintain stable housing.

6. Exiting Out-of-Home Care: Young people transitioning from foster care or juvenile justice systems often lack the necessary support, making them susceptible to homelessness.

The Impact of Homelessness on Young People

Experiencing homelessness during formative years can have profound and lasting effects:

• Education Disruption: Unstable living conditions often lead to poor school attendance and disengagement, limiting future opportunities.

• Health Challenges: Homelessness is associated with increased physical health issues and the exacerbation of mental health conditions.

• Social Isolation: Lack of stable housing can sever connections with supportive networks, leading to feelings of loneliness and vulnerability.

Addressing Youth Homelessness

Combating youth homelessness requires a multifaceted approach:

• Early Intervention: Identifying at-risk youth and providing support before they become homeless is crucial. Platform provides both crisis and transition accommodation support.

• Support Services: Access to mental health care, education, and employment services can help address underlying issues. Our Education First program offers 17-22 with a strong dedication and commitment to completing education and participating in the programs give back scheme to be eligible.

• Affordable Housing: Increasing the availability of affordable and stable housing options is essential. Platform Youth Services also offers tenancy support if you need help to keep your current lease or lease a new place.

• Policy and Advocacy: Government policies should focus on prevention, support, and long-term solutions, while advocacy groups play a vital role in raising awareness and pushing for change. Platform offers legal and financial assistance as well as general support such as;

  • Work on personal goals and development, including education and employment
  • Build healthy relationships Develop the skills you need to live on your own, such as budgeting and cooking
  • Connect with community support (GP, counselling, dental, mental health, sexual health, and drug and alcohol support), and
  • Maintain secure accommodation or seek alternate accommodation.

Youth homelessness in Australia is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes and significant impacts. By understanding the statistics, recognising the contributing factors, and implementing comprehensive strategies, society can work towards reducing and ultimately preventing homelessness among young Australians.

We are always looking for support from corporates sponsors. We realise that this can be challenging so have created a free resource on how to Become an Employer of Choice. Feel free to download this and get ideas on how to connect and engage with your team.

Homelessness is a growing crisis in Australia, particularly among young people in Western Sydney. Each year, thousands of vulnerable youths find themselves without a safe place to sleep, facing immense challenges that affect their education, employment, and well-being. The Home Sweet 2025 fundraiser, organised by Link Wentworth, is a powerful initiative designed to address this issue by supporting organisations like Platform Youth Services. By becoming a sponsor, you can make a tangible difference in breaking the cycle of youth homelessness and creating lasting change in your community.

Why Support Home Sweet 2025?

Home Sweet is a biennial charity sleepover event that started in 2017 to combat homelessness in Sydney. This year, for the first time, the event will be held in Western Sydney at the iconic Sydney International Regatta Centre on Friday, 5 September 2025. Volunteers, affectionately known as ‘sleepees,’ will sleep overnight at the event to raise funds and awareness for three vital charities: Platform Youth Services, Women’s Community Shelters, and Link Wentworth’s Scholarship Program.

The event provides sponsors with a unique opportunity to align their brand with a cause that directly impacts the community. Sponsoring Home Sweet 2025 not only boosts your brand’s visibility but also demonstrates your company’s commitment to social responsibility and community well-being. The funds raised through this event will go directly to helping young people, women, and those facing financial stress rebuild their lives.

The Need: Youth Homelessness in Western Sydney

The statistics on youth homelessness are alarming. In 2022-23, over 38,000 young people across Australia presented to specialist homeless services, with young people making up 14% of the nation’s homeless population. In Western Sydney, the problem is particularly acute. Many young people in the Penrith, Blue Mountains, and Hawkesbury regions are not only struggling to find stable accommodation but are also missing out on education and employment opportunities – 73% of homeless youth are not enrolled in education or training . These barriers perpetuate a cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to escape without targeted support.

Platform Youth Services, one of Home Sweet’s primary beneficiaries, offers a lifeline to these young people. Their comprehensive services include accommodation, meals, case management, and vital links to other support networks. By supporting Home Sweet 2025, you contribute directly to these life-changing services, helping young people find stability, gain access to education, and build brighter futures.

How Your Sponsorship Can Make a Difference

Home Sweet 2023 raised an impressive $170,000, which helped establish new shelters for women, provided scholarships for residents in community housing, and delivered critical support services to young people. In 2025, the goal is to raise $300,000, with every dollar going towards housing, education, and support services.

Sponsorship packages are available at different levels, allowing businesses of all sizes to participate: Please reach out to us to find out more.

In addition to financial sponsorship, there are opportunities for in-kind support. Businesses can donate products or services, such as catering or event supplies, or sponsor a ‘sleepee’ to participate in the event.

How to Get Involved

Supporting Home Sweet 2025 is easy. You can become a sponsor, provide in-kind support, or gather your team together to participate as ‘sleepees.’ Head to the website to donate or see how you can become part of this amazing initiative. Every contribution, whether big or small, brings us one step closer to breaking the cycle of youth homelessness in Western Sydney.

Join us on 5 September at the Sydney International Regatta Centre and help us create a brighter tomorrow for those who need it most. Together, we can make a lasting impact and show our community that no young person should face homelessness alone.

YES I’D LOVE TO GET INVOLVED

A young woman was referred to Platform. She had been couch surfing with a family friend for a few months after disclosing abuse at home. The relationship with friend was strained due to months of the friend supporting her and both trying to juggle school and part time work. She was having limited contact with family. She was accepted to move into a Platform Residential program and staff supported her to settle in. This was a hard time for her never being in a refuge environment before, sharing with 4 others, parental pressures, trying to complete HSC, and having to address complex needs.

With support she completed her HSC and attended her formal. She started to branch out after burying herself in study and work so as to not have to address her trauma. She formed new friendships and started to date and her confidence began to grow again. She then secured work and started studying again. Staff discussed then that it was time for her to move from her current program to a more independent program.

The young woman stayed at the new property for 10 months. She was thriving in her work and study and mending some relationships in her life, but sadly was taken advantage of again. The flow on from this experience effected all aspects of her life, she broke up with her partner, started overstaying her welcome at friends places and having days off work. She lost her confidence again and staff could see her starting to lose herself. With staff support and encouragement, the young woman began to take back control of her life seeking support through counselling and time off to heal.

She was ready then for a fresh start so decided to move into independent accommodation. Staff supported the move, trying to make the lease signing and move around her work hours due to all the time she had already had off, and prioritised this as they could see the positive effect the move was having on and that she had taken control again.

This young woman is now settled in new accommodation and loving her life. She will have finished her studies in another 12 months, and is thriving in her supported work environment.  We are astounded at her tenacity and perseverance.

Supporting a Young Person’s Journey Home

At Platform Youth Services, we understand that every young person’s journey is unique. For one 16-year-old male referred to Katoomba House in August, this journey involved navigating the challenges of ADHD, family breakdown, and struggles at school. His story highlights the importance of tailored support, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to helping young people find stability.

A Challenging Start

This young person faced significant difficulties in both his home and school environments. Diagnosed with ADHD and struggling with inconsistent medication use, his behaviours had begun to escalate, contributing to tensions at home. After living with his father until early 2024, he moved in with his aunt and cousins, but the same behavioural issues eventually arose, leading to his referral to Katoomba House.

Building Connections and Support Systems

From the start, Katoomba House staff recognised the importance of addressing the young person’s needs holistically. Staff engaged regularly with his school to manage behaviours and support his learning. The school worked collaboratively, sending assessments to help staff better understand his challenges and tailor their support.

To address his ADHD, staff assisted the young person in attending psychologist and medical appointments. These efforts led to a medication review and adjustments that aimed to stabilise his behaviour and enhance his daily functioning.

Creating a Restoration Plan

Rebuilding the young person’s relationship with his father became a central focus. A restoration plan was developed to gradually reintegrate him into the family home. This plan included shared dinners at his father’s house, with the goal of progressing to overnight and weekend stays.

During his time at Katoomba House, staff worked with the young person to build essential living and communication skills. He took pride in his achievements, including learning to cook homemade chicken schnitzel—a dish he was excited to prepare for his father during one of their planned dinners.

Navigating Challenges and Adapting Plans

While progress was made, challenges arose. The young person struggled to find his identity among the more street-savvy residents at Katoomba House, and the restoration plan did not move as quickly as initially hoped. The distance between Katoomba House and his school and family also became a barrier to consistent engagement and progress.

After seven weeks at Katoomba House, an opportunity arose for the young person to transfer to The Siding at Marist, a location closer to his school and both his father and aunt. This move offered a better chance of successful restoration, reducing logistical barriers and fostering stronger connections with his family.

A Collaborative Transition

The Katoomba House staff ensured a smooth transition by providing Marist with the young person’s case and restoration plans. This allowed the new team to continue the work seamlessly, supporting his journey toward returning home.

A Brighter Future

This young person’s story is a testament to the importance of tailored support, collaboration, and adaptability in helping young people overcome challenges. By addressing his needs holistically and prioritising family connections, Platform Youth Services demonstrated its commitment to empowering young people and fostering lasting change.

#BreakingTheCycleofHomelessness

Supporting Complex Needs with Care and Connection

At Platform Youth Services, we are committed to supporting young people through some of life’s most challenging moments. This case study highlights the journey of a resilient 20-year-old woman from Emu Plains, navigating the complexities of mental health, housing instability, and the impact of domestic violence.

A Story of Resilience

This young woman’s journey has been shaped by significant challenges, including a complex mental health history that includes suicidal ideation and an extended hospitalisation interstate. Recently discharged from care, she found herself temporarily staying with a friend, with limited options for stable housing and an uncertain future ahead.

Adding to her difficulties is a background of family domestic violence, which has left her without the safety net of family support. Despite these hardships, she has shown incredible resilience, earning certificates in Hospitality and Business and beginning nursing training, which she had to pause due to her mental health struggles. Her determination to pursue education and employment speaks volumes about her character, even as her ongoing mental health challenges disrupt her ability to maintain consistent work.

A Tailored Approach to Care

Given her complex needs, Platform Youth Services recognised that her situation required specialised support beyond what we could directly provide. We approached her case with a focus on ensuring she received the care and resources necessary to build a more stable future.

Our team worked collaboratively with her to identify services equipped to meet her unique needs. One critical connection was made with the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Service (CPS) through Flourish Australia. This program is specifically designed for individuals with severe mental health challenges who are not covered by the NDIS.

The CPS program offers a personalised approach, helping individuals like this young woman develop independence, safety, and meaningful connections within the community. By fostering productivity and reducing the reliance on acute care, the program supports young people in rebuilding their lives with dignity and purpose.

The Power of Connection

This case highlights the importance of collaboration and a holistic approach to care. Platform Youth Services played a crucial role in ensuring this young woman did not fall through the cracks. By identifying the right services, facilitating referrals, and providing a supportive transition, we helped her take steps towards a safer and more stable future.

Our commitment extends beyond immediate housing support. For young people with complex needs, it’s about offering compassion, listening deeply, and ensuring they feel seen and supported. While we couldn’t directly provide accommodation in this instance, we ensured she was connected to the resources and programs that could meet her specific needs.

A Commitment to Dignity and Hope

At Platform Youth Services, we believe every young person deserves a chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances. This story is a testament to the resilience of young people facing immense challenges and the power of community-driven support to guide them towards brighter horizons.

We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure no young person is left behind. By listening, adapting, and connecting, we’re empowering hope—one story at a time.

#BreakingTheCycleofHomelessness

Building Bridges Through Aboriginal Culture:
The “Cultural Connections” Program

In October, the Aboriginal Engagement Team at Platform Youth Services joined forces with YES Employment to launch the “Cultural Connections” program, a meaningful initiative aimed at empowering young people through the rich traditions and stories of Aboriginal culture.

The program is designed to go beyond cultural education, aiming to foster identity, confidence, and reconciliation. By providing young people with a safe space to learn and express themselves, it opens the door to greater understanding and personal growth.

Program Goals

The “Cultural Connections” program is centred around four key objectives:

• Cultural Awareness: Teaching young people about the depth and significance of Aboriginal history and traditions.
• Identity Development: Encouraging young participants to explore their own identities, whether Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, and find pride in who they are.
• Confidence Building: Providing opportunities to boost self-esteem through creative and hands-on activities.
• Reconciliation Promotion: Nurturing understanding and mutual respect between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures.

Engaging Activities

At the heart of the program are interactive and creative activities that encourage connection and learning:

• Cultural Education: Participants gathered in a Yarning Circle, a traditional practice rooted in storytelling and respectful dialogue, to learn about Aboriginal heritage and customs.
• Creative Workshops: Activities such as painting and gardening allowed young people to express themselves artistically while forging a deeper connection to the land and its stories.

These activities created an environment where participants could engage in meaningful conversations, explore their creativity, and connect with their peers and the community.

Outcomes That Matter

The “Cultural Connections” program is already making an impact by promoting:

• Cultural Understanding and Respect: Participants leave with a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal traditions and practices, building bridges of respect and understanding.
• Identity and Confidence: By engaging with cultural education and creative expression, young people are gaining a stronger sense of self and pride in their identities.
• Community and Belonging: The program fosters an inclusive space where participants feel valued and connected to others.
• Reconciliation Awareness: The program emphasises the importance of reconciliation, empowering young people to be part of creating a more inclusive future.

Looking Ahead

The “Cultural Connections” program reflects Platform Youth Services’ commitment to uplifting young people and promoting cultural understanding. By providing young participants with the tools to explore their identities and learn from Aboriginal traditions, the program not only nurtures personal growth but also lays the foundation for reconciliation.

This initiative is a reminder of the power of culture in uniting communities and fostering mutual respect. Through programs like this, we hope to inspire the next generation to embrace diversity and contribute to a more connected, inclusive society.

#BreakingTheCycleofHomelessness

Navigating Challenges: AOT Case Study

Supporting young people experiencing homelessness requires empathy, patience, and persistence. This case study highlights the journey of a 19-year-old male who presented to Platform Youth Services, facing multiple barriers on his path to stability.

The Situation

A 19-year-old male approached Platform Youth Services, homeless and unable to return home due to concerns about his safety and that of his family. His circumstances were further complicated by significant mental health and learning disabilities. He expressed a preference for temporary accommodation in the Blue Mountains LGA, although none was available in the area.

At the time, he was staying in temporary accommodation in St Marys, which he struggled to maintain due to challenges in understanding the requirements. Stressful situations heightened his frustration, making it difficult for him to engage with services effectively.

Barriers to Overcome

The young man faced a series of hurdles, including:

• Limited understanding of accommodation requirements: Difficulty grasping the expectations led to instability in his living arrangements.
• Emotional regulation challenges: Stress caused him to become easily frustrated and heightened, impacting his ability to make decisions or engage positively with support.
• Preference for specific accommodation: His desire to remain in the Blue Mountains LGA, where no temporary housing options were available, limited his willingness to explore other solutions.

Steps Taken

The AOT team worked diligently to support both the young man and his family.

1. Transition to New Accommodation:
   • The team facilitated his move from temporary accommodation in St Marys to a new location in Penrith. Unfortunately, he declined the option due to its location outside the Blue Mountains.
2. Engagement with Family:
   • AOT met with the young man’s mother at Homes Penrith to discuss his options and assess potential pathways forward.
3. Collaboration with NDIS Providers:
   • Recognising the complexity of his needs, AOT contacted his NDIS provider for additional support. The provider agreed to collaborate with his mother to explore long-term assistance, should she choose to proceed.
4. Direct Communication:
   • The young man expressed frustration during a meeting at Homes Penrith, storming out of the office. Later, he texted AOT to state he no longer wished to engage with Platform.

Outcomes

While the immediate outcome was not the resolution the team had hoped for, several critical steps were achieved:

• The young man transitioned to a temporary accommodation option, albeit declined due to location preferences.
• His mother was connected with the NDIS provider for ongoing support.
• The team demonstrated persistence and compassion, ensuring he was offered all available options.

Reflections

This case highlights the complexities of supporting young people with mental health and learning disabilities, particularly when preferences clash with available resources. It underscores the importance of collaborative approaches, clear communication, and external partnerships, such as with NDIS, to provide holistic support.

While the young man chose to disengage with Platform, the door remains open for him to seek assistance in the future. This case serves as a reminder that progress isn’t always linear, and even small steps can lay the groundwork for long-term success.

At Platform Youth Services, we remain committed to listening, adapting, and finding innovative ways to support young people through their challenges.

#BreakingTheCycleofHomelessness

Generation Z at work

According to the stats, Australia is in the midst of great generational change. There are now more Gen Y and Gen Z Australians in the workforce than there are Gen Xers and Babyboomers. And by the time 2030 rolls around, our newest recruits today – those under the age of 25 right now – will be the dominant generation in our workforce.

If you want to engage with your Gen Zs effectively and prepare for the future, you’d better have an understanding of the very different mindset this generation is packing.

We’re grateful to Australian researchers, McCrindle Research and their 2019 report, ‘Understanding Generation Z: Recruiting, Training and Leading the Next Generation’ for the insights we share here. Our experience with young people concurs.

So, who is Gen Z, and how are they different?

Obviously, the age difference is the first distinguishing factor. Gen Z were born from 1995 to 2009. Being young, Gen Z have different priorities in life.

They are the most likely generation to be renting and the least likely to have children. But this could be said of any generation, right? When you’re young, you’re young. Not so. Researchers now know, people resemble their times more than they resemble their parents. They are shaped by their current age, their times, the formative social, political and economic conditions they grow up in, and the experiences that occur during their childhood and teenage years.

Today’s Gen Zs will not grow up to be just like their parents or grandparents.

1. THEY’RE DIGITAL

Even though Boomers, Gen Xers and Gen Ys have experienced the digital revolution, Gen Z were exposed to text messages, social media, smart phones and other screen-based devices during their formative years. This means they are not just ‘tech savvy’, like Gen Y, they are tech dependent. Digital technology is almost like the air they breathe, or their first language.

Technology integrates seamlessly into all aspects of their lives. This is unlike the experience of older generations who’ve simply tacked technology on by migrating towards it.

In the workplace they’ll be hardwired to expect simplicity and flexibility, up to the minute information at the touch of a button, casual and open discussion, and visuals and videos for imparting knowledge and sharing information.

2. THEY’RE GLOBAL

As the world’s most globally connected generation, Gen Z are playing an enormous role in who we are as a nation, which is putting pressure on policy makers. Take the recent rise in activism on climate change, and the resurgence of activism on discrimination and harassment borne out global campaigns such as Black Lives Matter and the #metoo movement.

Celebrities and social influencers are more global than they have ever been, the darkest corners are more visible than ever before, and Gen Zs the world over are more sensitive to injustice. They’re demanding leaders in politics and business dismantle systemic barriers to a safer, fairer world.

Business leaders, prepare to have any policies and rules with no good reasoning behind them questioned!

3. THEY’RE HIGHLY SOCIAL (ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT NOT LOOK THAT WAY)

Gen Z is the most socially connected generation – connected 24/7 – and the most likely generation to be shaped by their peers. In addition, thanks to Instagram and Facebook, Gen Z are influenced by a much larger network.

This constant connection and constant stream of information has the potential for positive and negative impacts. Gen Z might struggle with digital distraction; however, they are collaborative learners. They enjoy teamwork. They bring fresh ideas, inspired from around the world, and a more emotionally and culturally intelligent workforce.

4. THEY’RE MOBILE

Gen Z are moving homes, jobs, and careers faster than ever before – a trend that is expected to continue. Today’s school leaver is expected to have 18 jobs across 6 careers. This is not only a consequence of being young, but also of new career expectations. Gen Z is looking for opportunities and options that will enhance their lifestyles, not just their bank accounts.

They’re also highly entrepreneurial and wanting to make a difference in the world. The Gen Z you encounter at work today might easily be an employer with a side hustle as well as an employee. This is great for organisations because they’re employing people who have a deeper appreciation of business. Gen Z can also teach the older generations new tricks and offer new insights for businesses wanting to become authentically values based.

5. THEY’RE VISUAL

Information overload has increasingly led to messages and information today being delivered via images rather than text. Gen Z, as you’re no doubt guessing by now, are the generation who will be far more likely to watch a video summarising an issue rather than read an article on it.

Hands on learning trumps more traditional auditory delivery. And if you want to keep employees engaged, create YouTube videos, do Facebook Lives, and host regular informal get-togethers.

Gen Z are the future. Take the time to get to know and understand them and your business will be able to better engage, train and lead them.

Myth vs Reality

Picture in your mind for a moment what happened the last time you encountered a young homeless person in Australia. We’ll wait.

If you can’t recall an encounter, try to imagine one instead.

Let the scene play out; where are you? What’s going on around you? What are they doing? What are you doing in response to their presence? What thoughts are going through your mind?

The purpose of this exercise is not to pass judgement on anyone. Not at all. It’s to see whether the picture you have in your mind of a young homeless person is based on myth or reality.

Let’s take a look.

Firstly, were you able to picture a young homeless person? By definition a young person is aged between 12 and 24 years. If you struggled, your mind is most likely operating under…

Myth No. 1 – There aren’t that many homeless kids in Australia

The reality is there are at least 28,000 young people in Australia without a home on any given night. And according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this figure is likely to have been well underestimated in the Census, due to a usual address being reported for some homeless youth.

The lesson? Youth homelessness is a huge challenge in Australia. Sadly, it’s one that doesn’t garner the attention it should because it’s largely hidden from public view. The majority of young people without a home aren’t on the streets – they’re in severely overcrowded accommodation that falls well below basic community standards.

Now, if you were able to recall an encounter a young person (or you did manage to conjure one in your imagination), did a sense of danger arise at all? Were you concerned about your purse, wallet or wellbeing? Introducing…

Myth No. 2 – Homeless youths are probably dangerous criminals – we should steer clear

This is another common misperception, driven by multiple factors: fictional portrayals of homeless people on film and television, sensationalist media coverage, and laws that can unfairly target homeless people, such as begging.

The reality is that being homeless means being incredibly vulnerable. Stay safe, but remember, homelessness is not a criminal condition. And for young people, it’s most likely the symptom of poverty and domestic violence more than anything else – which leads us to our next myth.

Myth No. 3 – Homeless kids choose to be homeless – they’re runaways who should just go home

This, most persistent of all myths, assumes two things: 1) that there is a home to go, and 2) that in that home, there is a safe environment waiting for these kids. It would be wonderful if this were the case. For the vast majority, however, it is not.

In our experience, and according to the numbers, homeless youth are homeless not because they’re bratty or rebellious runaways, but because there is a housing crisis in Australia, and because domestic and family violence makes living at home unsafe.

—

Should we try that exercise again? Close your eyes and imagine a young homeless person in Australia. What do you see now?

If you or your organisation would like to help give young Australians the support they need, make a donation today or take a look at the options for offering Corporate Support.