A coalition of more than 60 organisations, including Melton’s Hope Street Youth and Family Services, Council to Homeless Persons and Youth Affairs Council Victoria has thrown its support behind ending youth homelessness in Victoria. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures indicate that of the 8830 young people that approached homelessness services in Victoria last year, 5060 were turned away.

Hope Street supported 751 young people, aged 16-25 years, including 75 children last financial year with 14% of these being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and a further 33% born outside Australia. The main reason for their presentation were housing affordability stress or relationship breakdown and family violence.

Donna Bennett, CEO, says that more housing options that include wraparound case support are required to ensure young people are supported and don't end up in entrenched homelessness.

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