Youth Homelessness Matters Day
Today, (Wednesday, 19 April 2023) is Youth Homelessness Matters Day, a day to increase our understanding of youth homelessness and what we can do to support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Over 24 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Australia are aged 12 to 24 years old, often forced into their circumstances due to family breakdown, financial pressures and domestic violence. Youth homelessness is not a choice and without the right support, there can be long-term negative consequences on young peoples’ mental health, education opportunities and future employment.
WA & Australia
According to the Estimating Homelessness: Census, 2021 from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in Western Australia 1,927 Young People (aged 12-24) and 1,994 children under the age of 18 experience homelessness every night.
Shelter WA is asking the WA Government to invest in a flexible Youth Homelessness Diversion Fund and investment to deliver two new regional Youth Foyers. These priorities form part of our Pre-Budget Submission for the 2023-24 State Budget.
What You Can Do
This Youth Homelessness Matters Day, you can get active on social media to raise awareness of child and youth homelessness. A resources and campaign kit can be found here: Campaign Kit/Resources. You can also add your name to this petition calling for a standalone National Child and Youth Homelessness and Housing Strategy.
