Mission Australia launches early intervention service helping young people avoid homelessness

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Funded by Philanthropy

Mission Australia hosted the official opening of Reset4Youth service, a philanthropically funded new program to support young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to move quickly into safe and stable housing.

The Program was officially launched by the Hon Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health, Youth and North Coast. The Honourable Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda was also in attendance.

The service supports young people aged 18 to 25, from Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool and Campbelltown who might be rough sleeping, couch surfing, living in boarding houses or crisis accommodation or staying in overcrowded homes. The service helps them transition into long-term, safe, and stable homes.The program provides targeted early intervention for young people so they can avoid the harmful longer-term experiences of homelessness.

The specialised service will work with real estate agents, community housing organisations and private landlords to help find appropriate accommodation for young people.

Young people aged 18-24 participating in the program may have access to Rent Choice Youth, a subsidy program the NSW government provides. The program can help young people pay their rent via a subsidy for up to three years.

Once the young person has a safe place to call home, caseworkers provide support to help young people stay housed and thrive. 

This support includes working towards goals with their case manager for up to two years, connection to a variety of wrap-around support services such as mental health services, alcohol, and other drug services, and help developing living skills like budgeting and learning about tenant’s rights and responsibilities.

Young people are also provided with all furniture and items needed to be able to maintain a successful tenancy.

The service is generously funded by philanthropy from a charitable foundation.

Speaking at the event, Ebony, a young person who was involved in the program's consultation, said Reset4Youth puts young people at the centre; having had the experience of not knowing where to turn when she became homeless, she was pleased that Reset4Youth would be visible and active in the community.

Mission Australia's State Director, Nada Nasser says: 

“In 2021, nearly a quarter of all people experiencing homelessness were aged 12 to 24 years”.

“The experience of homelessness can harm a young person’s well-being, life, and future. Homeless young people can face psychological distress, family conflict, and discrimination.

“Homelessness can often be incredibly isolating, destabilising, and traumatic for young people, which can ripple effects on their lives without proper intervention. 

“Reset4Youthcan help them avoid the harmful impacts of long-term homelessness and help them transform their lives. 

“Early intervention is critical; Mission Australia is proud to support young people to avoid long-term homelessness, reach their full potential, and thrive.”