Campaign raises vital funds for youth homelessness

A CAMPAIGN to donate an hour of pay to help youth at risk or experiencing homelessness is expecting to reach hundreds of people throughout the region.

It was part Youth Homelessness Matters Day during the week with advocacy group Yfoundations partnering with Social Futures and other community groups at Lismore.

Social Futures chief executive Tony Davies and general manager Martelle Geurts were joined by Lismore MP Janelle Saffin with the trio donating to the cause.

Ninety-five per cent of the funds donated will go directly to young people Social Futures supports through its Connecting Home Youth program.

The team said cost of living pressures have seen a rise in homelessness, while an extra $100 a week could be the difference between whether young people can afford to eat.

“Youth homelessness is incredibly difficult to measure because it is hidden from view,” Ms Geurts said.

“Young people will couch surf or move around trying to find a bed for the night in different places, so they don’t outstay their welcome. “It’s a precarious existence.

“There has been unprecedented investment from both federal and NSW state governments for social and affordable housing which will lead to much needed housing outcomes.

“But we are faced with equally unprecedented challenges, and more is needed to address the homelessness crisis.

“We really need to raise the rate of income support payments like JobSeeker and Youth Allowance, but at a local level, donating what you can to help see young people through these tough times will make an enormous difference.”

The 2021 census revealed 45,850 children and young people were homeless in Australia on any given night, 273 of which were in the Northern Rivers region.

However, the Social Futures team believe the number is much higher with the hour of pay program expected to help hundreds of people.

“People are coming to us at younger and younger ages needing support,” Mr Davies said.

“This is also about getting them support to purchase personal items and helping them with things like transport and education.”

Social Futures has a range of services to support people who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or in unstable housing.

Call 1800 719 625 to contact its Connecting Home team.

People experiencing homelessness and in need of emergency accommodation can phone Link2Home on 1800 152 152.