Embargoed to Thursday 19 September 2024
National housing campaign Home Time is holding a national social media day of action on Thursday 19 September to shine a spotlight on the needs of children and young people alone with nowhere to live.
As Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil prepares to release Australia’s new National Housing and Homelessness Plan, #MeAt16 is asking people from all walks of life to share a photo of themselves at 16 with a reflection on the importance of home during their teenage years.
The Home Time Campaign is calling for the policy commitment and investment needed to break down barriers for young people trying to access housing and to create 15,000 dedicated youth tenancies with linked support across the country.
Two recent polls have found deep concern in the Australian community around the extent of youth homelessness, with 84% of people worried about housing affordability and 91% concerned about the number of young people without a home.
Shorna Moore from Melbourne City Mission and the Home Time Campaign said community views are shifting due to cost-of-living pressures and the worsening housing crisis.
“When more people are struggling with the cost of living and housing costs, the needs of children and young people forced to survive alone are gaining more attention. Every year, 40,000 young people aged 15-24 are trapped in homelessness with few pathways out. Almost 10,000 are children aged 15-17.”
“The Federal Government has targeted $1 billion in new housing investment for young people and women escaping violence. This is a positive step towards Home Time’s national target of 15,000 dedicated youth tenancies, but it has to be the beginning of the youth housing conversation. We must see this commitment translate into new homes and brighter futures for young people without a home."
“Through #MeAt16, we are asking all Australians to remember what life was like at 16 and to think about their own experiences of home and support. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of empathy to shift the public conversation and get us all thinking differently around policy priorities. We were all 16 once and we all needed a safe place to call home."
About us:
Home Time is supported by over 150 organisations, including Homelessness Australia, Community Housing Industry Association, National Shelter, Melbourne City Mission, Australian Youth Affairs Coalition, ACOSS, The Salvation Army, Anglicare Australia, Brisbane Youth Service, Mission Australia, Foyer Foundation, YFoundations and the Australian Services Union. See www.hometime.org.au for more information.
Contact details:
Daniel Scoullar, 0402 596 297, daniel@hometime.org.au
