It is a number that is beyond comprehension – on any given night, 45,850 children and young people will be homeless in Australia. This devastating statistic is a stark reminder of the growing issue of homelessness, impacting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
As the largest provider of homelessness services in Australia, the Salvation Army tirelessly supports those experiencing homelessness, raises awareness of the issue, and advocates for solutions. The Salvation Army’s youth services run 10 crisis refuges across Australia and support more than 4,500 young people each year.
“We’re raising awareness of the scale of the issue and educating the community about what to do if they, or anyone they know, may be at risk of becoming homeless. It’s vital to educate the community about how organisations like The Salvation Army support and prevent homelessness,” Peter McGrath, State Manager for Homelessness at The Salvation Army, said.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to issues of housing breakdown, including violence in the home, poverty and leaving school early. The Salvation Army advocates for fair and equitable access for young people to housing, from immediate crisis accommodation to long-term solutions.
“Children and young people should have the freedom and opportunity to grow up in safe environments. Most importantly, they deserve to feel safe at home. The sad reality is that there are many children without a safe place to live,” Natalee O’Brien, General Manager for Youth Services at The Salvation Army, said.
Recently, more than 300 school students banded together to form the number 45,850 on their school oval to highlight the issue of youth homelessness in Australia.
“With Homelessness Week coming up, we encourage everyone to learn more, join us in raising awareness and reach out if they need help,” Ms O’Brien said.
