Whether the consequence of domestic violence, soaring rental rates or personal factors, homelessness among young people is on the rise. In the last Census, nearly 40,000 Australians aged 12–24 sought housing support on their own, representing almost a quarter of all reported cases.
That said, the true figure is likely far greater. Youth homelessness is often ‘hidden’, with many young people bouncing between shelters or friends’ houses rather than sleeping on the streets – making it harder to identify and address.
Here, we explain what youth homelessness is, as well as its causes and implications. Keep reading to find out how we can take steps to prevent this national crisis and help those who are already experiencing its hardships.
What is youth homelessness?
Youth homelessness isn’t just about sleeping rough; it’s the absence of a stable and secure place to call home. This can manifest in various ways—some young people find themselves in crisis shelters or boarding houses, while others face the harsh reality of sleeping outdoors, on floors or on couches.
Couch surfing, often referred to as “hidden homelessness,” is a widespread experience for young people. They move from one temporary home to another—sometimes with friends, acquaintances, or even strangers—without ever having a secure, permanent place to stay.
This can start while they’re still in school, placing them at risk of being suddenly turned away and leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, whether physical, sexual, or financial, despite their contributions to the household.
Many others live in severely overcrowded spaces, where the lack of privacy and basic comforts takes a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
These conditions spotlight the critical need for holistic, long-term solutions that provide young people with the security, safety, and support they urgently need to build a stable future.
Causes of youth homelessness
Often, young people are driven into homelessness by forces they cannot control.
Youth homelessness in Australia is a deeply intricate issue shaped by a mix of systemic failures, societal pressures, and personal hardships. Read on to discover more about each one.
Escaping violence at home
Domestic or family violence is the main cause of youth homelessness in Australia, with many children and young people fleeing harmful situations with no safe haven.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 34% of youths seeking homelessness services alone in Australia have experienced violence at home.
The trauma of living in such environments not only drives them away but also isolates them from support networks, increasing their vulnerability and making it difficult to find stable housing. Without access to safe spaces or resources, many are left navigating life on the streets.
Family breakdown
Tensions and conflicts within the family, particularly between young people and their parents or guardians, are a leading cause of youth homelessness. When relationships at home break down, young people may feel they have no choice but to leave, often with nowhere else to turn.
In 2021 and 2022, 3,317 children aged 10-14 sought help from Specialist Homelessness Services without the support of a parent or guardian. Importantly, these numbers only reflect those who were able to seek assistance, with many more young people enduring homelessness alone.
Mental health conditions
Mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and addiction can raise the risk of homelessness among young people. In fact, 48% of youth seeking homelessness services in 2021 and 2022 were grappling with a mental health condition.
That’s because these issues make it difficult to stay in school or hold down a job, both of which are critical to securing stable housing.
Moreover, mental health struggles often isolate young people, limiting the emotional and practical support needed to overcome their issues. Unfortunately, this can ultimately push a vulnerable individual towards homelessness.
Unattainable rental rates
For many young Australians, securing a lease feels like an uphill battle. With social housing in short supply and inadequate income support, the ever-rising costs in the private rental market are pushing stable housing further out of reach—especially for those teetering on the poverty line.
According to the AIHW’s annual report for 2022-23, the housing crisis, fuelled by skyrocketing rents and evictions, left 19% of young people without a home.
Barriers to education
Missing formal education creates obstacles to future employment, making it harder for young people to gain financial security, and escape the cycle of homelessness if they are already in it.
Being out of school can also severely limit a young person’s ability to access help for issues at home or with their health – which as described above, are causes of youth homelessness in themselves.
Learn more about the causes of homelessness.
The impact of youth homelessness
The life outcome of experiencing homelessness at a young age is often worse than for those who face it in adulthood.
This instability during such a formative phase can lead to challenges that extend well into later life, affecting future education, career opportunities, physical health, and mental well-being.
Mental health issues
As noted earlier, many youths struggling with homelessness experience significant psychological distress. Without a dedicated home, bed, or sense of security, the constant instability of homelessness can amplify existing trauma and trigger mental health issues.
For example, the mental exhaustion from rough sleeping or constantly shifting between temporary places can take a heavy toll. In such conditions, conditions like depression, anxiety, or eating disorders can easily worsen, making it even more difficult to break the cycle of homelessness.
Poor nutrition
Access to nutritious and affordable food is often a daily struggle when experiencing homelessness. Many face the harsh reality of skipping meals, going to bed with empty stomachs, or eating less than they need simply because they can’t afford it.
This constant battle for nourishment not only affects their physical health but also weakens their ability to thrive in other areas, like education and personal growth, making it even harder to break the cycle of hardship.
Lack of education
For many people suffering through youth homelessness, an interrupted education is a harsh reality that severely limits their ability to gain qualifications.
This break in learning not only derails their academic progress but also makes it even harder to secure stable employment, leaving them at a greater disadvantage when trying to build a better future.
Without the foundation of education or training, their chances of long-term success diminish, trapping them in a cycle that’s hard to escape.
Difficulty securing a job
When experiencing youth homelessness, entering the workforce can be an overwhelming challenge. With obstacles like limited education, lack of work experience, and unstable living conditions, breaking into the job market becomes a daunting task.
These barriers often delay their journey toward financial independence, keeping them stuck in difficult circumstances without the necessary support to move forward.
Violence
Without a safe home of any kind, the threat of violence and abuse can be a constant presence. Physical attacks and verbal harassment can leave young people feeling vulnerable and unsafe, affecting their mental and emotional well-being.
Unfortunately, the trauma and anxiety caused by this instability can make it even tougher to trust others and seek help.
Societal costs
Youth homelessness can place pressure on emergency healthcare and justice systems. In efforts to survive, these young individuals may use public medical services for physical and mental health issues, or find themselves in trouble with the law – which leads to more interactions with police, courts, and detention.
By focusing on youth homelessness prevention efforts, it’s estimated that Australia could save around $626 million each year – just within the youth justice and health service systems alone.
Keep reading to learn more about putting a stop to youth homelessness.
How to combat youth homelessness
Breaking the cycle of youth homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, and poor mental health requires early intervention and access to safe, affordable housing for young people.
Research shows that reinforcing protective factors can help prevent homelessness and reduce its recurrence. Key strategies include:
- Reconnecting young people with their families: Evidence suggests that improving family relationships can lead to better housing stability, improved material conditions, and earlier identification of mental health issues.1
- Strengthening connections to community and education: Supporting at-risk youth to remain engaged in their communities and continue their education has been shown to reduce the risk of homelessness.2
- Providing suitable housing: Last year, half of the young people in desperate need of a safe place to sleep for the night were turned away from support services due to lack of capacity. Access to youth-specific housing is proven to help them overcome homelessness quickly and establish stability3, offering long-term cost offsets.4
By focusing on these solutions, we can help young people find secure housing, maintain healthy family connections where possible, and stay engaged in education or work as they move toward independent adulthood.
Discover safe and affordable youth housing in Australia
A safe home is a fundamental right at every stage of life. As young people learn to navigate the world around them, they need a stable and secure base to return to—a place where they feel protected and supported. This sense of safety is crucial for their well-being, sense of belonging, and the opportunities that shape their future.
Unfortunately, many minors in Australia are at risk of or already experiencing homelessness. At Home In Place, we provide community housing, affordable housing and emergency temporary accommodation to young people in need.
Whether you live in New South Wales, Victoria, or Queensland, our compassionate team is ready to assist you with personalised support. Contact us today to take the first step toward a more secure future.
References
Winland, D., Gaetz, S., & Patton, T. (2011). Family Matters: Homeless youth and Eva’s Initiatives “Family Reconnect” Program. Toronto, ON: The Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press.
MacKenzie, D., Hand, T., Zufferey, C., McNelis, S., Spinney, A., & Tedmanson, D. (2020). Redesign of a homelessness service system for young people (AHURI Final Report 327). Melbourne: Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. Retrieved from www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/327
Goering, P., & Streiner, D. (2015). Putting housing first: The evidence and impact. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(11), 465–466.
Ly, A., & Latimer, E. (2015). Housing First impact on costs and associated cost offsets: A review of the literature. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(11), 475–487.
