Why we do this

In the past decade, homelessness in Australia has risen by 30 per cent.

And two in every five Victorians experiencing homelessness are under 25 years old.

Currently, there are only 15 'youth refuges' in Victoria that provide emergency accommodation for those who are most in need.

Which adds up to 109 refuge beds for 6,117 homeless young people.

Those who got a bed... Got up to 6 weeks of accommodation, support to find longer-term housing and 24/7 care from trained staff.

The ones who missed out... Were sent overnight to backpacker accommodation, cheap motels, rooming houses and caravan parks, with no on-site support, which does nothing to meaningfully break the cycle of homelessness.

Ending youth homelessness isn't just about providing accommodation

It requires an integrated approach, and an understanding of the deeper issues that put young people at risk of homelessness in the first place.

So while we're busily creating more refuge beds in new our world-first 24/7 crisis accommodation centre, we're also...

• Working to change the policies and societal factors that push people into homelessness in the first place.
• Advocating for more Commonwealth funding.
• Working with partners across the sector and community to educate the public and advocate for young people experiencing homelessness.

We don't just want to offer band aid solutions to the homelessness problem

We want to create holistic opportunities to engage with Melbourne's at risk youth, so we can put an end to youth homelessness before it becomes entrenched.

How can you help?

• Buy an item – or several – from this website to help build more room for homeless youth
• Share your donation on social media to encourage your friends to donate, too
• Sign the Everybody's Home petition http://everybodyshome.com.au/