This National Homelessness Week, from August 7 to 13, experts are warning the number of young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness is growing.
The leaders of youth homelessness charity, Lighthouse Foundation, say the predicted increase is due to the unique impact cost-of-living pressures and mental health conditions have on those aged under 25.
Lighthouse Foundation chief executive Dr Eamonn McCarthy said the charity, which has been providing homes and therapeutic care for young people for over 30 years, is expanding to support more children and youth in need of support.
“The most recent Census data shows nearly a quarter of all Australians experiencing homelessness are aged 12 to 24 years,” he said.
“Those aged 19 to 24 continue to experience the highest incidence of homelessness of any age group, with more than 45,000 people under 25 facing homelessness. Children under 12, and those aged 12 to 18, saw the biggest increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in 2021 compared to 2016.”
Dr McCarthy said Lighthouse Foundation’s figures also indicate a growing cohort of young people doing it tough.
“Last financial year, almost 80 per cent of the young people who came into Lighthouse’s care had been involved with child protection. We know there is an increased number of young people in child protection now compared with previous years, so we predict that growing number will also need support in the future,” he said.
“It’s also likely we will continue to see the ongoing impact of the pandemic on youth employment and mental health. Young people have been named a ‘national priority homelessness cohort for the
Australian and state and territory governments’, and it’s vital we all work together to help vulnerable children and youth address the trauma, neglect and abuse that leads to homelessness.”
