Young people experiencing homelessness continues to increase.

Young people experiencing homelessness continues to increase. Our capacity to support through the provision to housing support in 24/7 accommodation and our housing initiatives has declined due to a significant interruption in our housing support continuum. For young people who reside in our accommodation, there has been minimal movement resulting in them staying longer and gaining non-vocational support. In the last 12 months, there has been a considerable increase of young people with a higher level of complexity therefore this has delayed their ability to engage in tenancy program activities without specialised assistance.

GCPHY Inc. self-funded Housing Initiatives, head leased properties were suspended due to increasing rents, outgoings and availability. These programs assisted the team in supporting young people to move into independence.

A greater number of young people are contacting our Mobile Support team requesting assistance with finding suitable accommodation.

There is an increasing trend of the employed experiencing homelessness who are not able to secure rental properties or find suitable shared accommodation. Many of these young people 18+ years old report living in their cars and sleeping at their work premises. A general search of online platforms shows the lack of housing opportunities on the Gold Coast, Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim Regions. For young people trying to maintain rental leases, increases in rent, utilities and the general cost of living exhausts employment income.

Young people who access our services are significantly disadvantaged. The impact of financial stress and material deprivation is alarmingly visible. Material deprivation is evidenced through a young person’s inability to maintain a minimum standard of living, minimum income support creates a climate of financial stress. Social and economic disadvantage disrupts a young person’s life journey. We know that limited access to housing, education, training and employment opportunities has long-term impacts on the choices and rights of young people and limits their ability to engage in active citizenship. The foundation of active citizenship starts with the ability to participate.

Young people must have the ability to maintain personal well-being, and engage in civic, social and economic participation. They tell us that they often experience a lack of commitment to work towards changing individual circumstances because of their lack of hope for the future.

Learn how you can help Gold Coast’s young people here.