Homelessness hits youngsters
ABOUT one in seven young people across Australia have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, a new report has revealed.
Mission Australia Queensland State Director Darren Young said the organisations Going Places program had assisted many young people in Toowoomba who were not able to go home because of mental health, domestic violence problems or overcrowding.
“The young people we have helped in Toowoomba range in age from 16 through to 21,” Mr Young said.
“Some of them have been couch surfing or sleeping in their cars, which makes it almost impossible for them to study or work.
“By assisting these young people into secure, affordable accommodation, and then supporting them to sustain their tenancy, they are more likely to be able to get an education or sustain training or work.
“Some of these young people are still in high school, while others are extremely keen to work or attend university. Without stable housing their ability to do this is made extremely difficult and stressful.”
In a new report released today, Mission Australia revealed about one in seven young Queenslanders surveyed had experienced homelessness.
The Young People's Experiences of Homelessness report said one in 10 young Queenslanders surveyed reported an experience of couch surfing.
“(The report) should serve as a stark reminder to us all that we must take action,” Mr Young said.