3 years ago
ONE IN SIX YOUNG AUSTRALIANS EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS
JASON CLARE MP
The extent of the youth homelessness problem in Australia has been highlighted by a new report, and there are concerns it will only get worse.
Mission Australia’s annual survey of young people aged 15 – 19 years found 17 per cent had been homeless at some stage in their lives.
The report emphasised the many flow on effects of homelessness, with 68 per cent of the young people experiencing homelessness also perceiving barriers to their study or work goals.
Young people who experienced homelessness were also much more concerned about mental health (52 per cent compared to 29 per cent) and suicide (29 per cent compared to 11 per cent).
The recession will make this problem even worse.
As we know financial stress and mental health challenges increase the risk of homelessness.
Young people have been the biggest casualties of the current unemployment crisis, and it is expected they will experience the serious impact of this recession for years to come.
Young people are also suffering from significant mental health stress during the pandemic, for reasons including losing work, interruptions to study and training, social isolation and the missing of life events.
The impact is already being felt, with reports that 44 per cent of young people living out of home could not make rent or mortgage repayments in May.
Young Australians are being hit from every angle during this crisis.
We cannot allow a situation where a growing number of young Australians are without a home and without a job.
Our young people desperately need leadership and a plan from the Morrison Government to address the issues impacting young Australians.
Mission Australia’s annual survey of young people aged 15 – 19 years found 17 per cent had been homeless at some stage in their lives.
The report emphasised the many flow on effects of homelessness, with 68 per cent of the young people experiencing homelessness also perceiving barriers to their study or work goals.
Young people who experienced homelessness were also much more concerned about mental health (52 per cent compared to 29 per cent) and suicide (29 per cent compared to 11 per cent).
The recession will make this problem even worse.
As we know financial stress and mental health challenges increase the risk of homelessness.
Young people have been the biggest casualties of the current unemployment crisis, and it is expected they will experience the serious impact of this recession for years to come.
Young people are also suffering from significant mental health stress during the pandemic, for reasons including losing work, interruptions to study and training, social isolation and the missing of life events.
The impact is already being felt, with reports that 44 per cent of young people living out of home could not make rent or mortgage repayments in May.
Young Australians are being hit from every angle during this crisis.
We cannot allow a situation where a growing number of young Australians are without a home and without a job.
Our young people desperately need leadership and a plan from the Morrison Government to address the issues impacting young Australians.