Hope Street is excited to share an interview with Clive Scott AO, a much-valued founding member of our Corporate Committee, celebrating his commitment, support, and ongoing contribution to our work. For over 12 years Clive has generously contributed his time, insight, and community connections to strengthen our vision in a society in which all young people and young families have a safe place to call home. We extend our sincere thanks to Clive for generously sharing his reflections and for his continued dedication, commitment, and support of Hope Street’s work. Below, he speaks about his role, what inspires him, and his hopes for the future.
Tell us about your role with Hope Street and how long you’ve been involved with Hope Street?
My involvement with Hope Street goes back several years now, serving on the Corporate Committee. As a committee member, I believe our role is to assist, advise, and act as a sounding board. We connect Hope Street with people who can help, while assisting with fundraising and “friend-raising.” Ultimately, we are there to get the word out to the community about the great work Hope Street does, and to highlight how significant the need is regarding every aspect of youth homelessness in Australia right now.
What inspires you the most to contribute as a volunteer with Hope Street?
Originally, I was inspired by my grandmothers, who always said there is always time in your day to give a hand up to someone who needs it more than you do. However, once you get involved with the team at Hope Street, you instantly want to support the amazing job they do day in and day out, to help our country’s young people. The youth of any country are our future and sometimes they may need assistance to grow and prosper, if we look around it’s easy to see that some young people in Australia could do with a boost, volunteering is a small way you can assist them get the helping hand they need to get ahead.
What is your most memorable achievement as a member of the Corporate Committee?
As a committee member, I have helped Hope Street secure some lucrative philanthropy and government funding, through my connections, which is always rewarding. However, I think seeing young people who have gone through Hope Street, be helped back into school, into a job, and into stable housing of their own—and seeing them stay there—is the greatest achievement. This is the true measure of success for Hope Street and everyone involved with the organisation.
Why is it important for people and organisations/companies to get involved with Hope Street and how may they be able to do this?
Youth homelessness is a community-wide issue that requires a community-wide response. When businesses and individuals get involved, they provide the vital funding, resources, and networks that Hope Street needs to expand its reach. People and companies can get involved by corporate sponsoring, organizing fundraising events, donating resources, or offering employment and mentoring opportunities for the young people in Hope Street’s care. I think that sometimes organisations and companies need not just count the marketing dollars they can make out of an association and do it just to help – maybe think that some of their own employee’s kids may be the ones that will the help one day!
What does society look like in Australia where there is no youth homelessness, and do you think this is attainable?
Unfortunately, I think the problem of youth homelessness will be with us in Australian society for a few more years, especially when you look at the current state of our economy, wage stagnation, and the ongoing housing crisis. A society without youth homelessness would be one where every young person has a safe, secure place to call home and the support system needed to thrive. While it is a massive challenge, it is a goal we must keep fighting for.
