On 15 April, Brisbane Youth Service came together with our community for our annual Youth Homelessness Matters Day Breakfast. It was a moment to reflect, listen, and recommit to the work of ending youth homelessness.
Joined by Rebecca Young MP, Cr Vicki Howard, the Hon Di Farmer MP, the Hon Grace Grace MP, Joe Kelly MP, BYS Patron Steve Renouf, and supporters from across our community, the morning focused on the power of collaboration, early intervention, and youth‑specific support.
Stepping into young people’s realities
Guests were invited to step into scenarios inspired by the real experiences of young people.
Across multiple rooms, participants encountered situations faced by young people every day, such as:
- fleeing violence at home
- couch surfing
- sleeping rough
- being newly pregnant and without a safe place to stay.
Throughout the experience, guests connected with BYS workers, gaining a deeper understanding of what support looks like in practice and why early support is so crucial before a crisis escalates.
The reality in Queensland
In Queensland, 37% of people experiencing homelessness are under the age of 25.
That statistic alone should stop us all in our tracks.
Many young people are pushed into homelessness through no fault of their own, most commonly due to domestic and family violence.
“Three in four of the young people we support are experiencing family violence,” Brisbane Youth Service CEO Pam Barker explained.
“Affordable and available housing is the next major driver.”
Why early intervention matters
Without safe housing and timely support, young people can very quickly fall into crisis, particularly as housing becomes harder to access and afford.
“If the system doesn’t come in quite quickly with an early intervention or prevention response, young people can fall into really tough situations,” Pam said.
Yet when young people receive the right support at the right time, outcomes change.
“If we give young people what they need – a safe, stable place to live, connection to community, food on their plate, opportunities for education and employment – they go on to achieve amazing things.”
What works to end youth homelessness
We know what works to end youth homelessness:
- youth-specific, safe, and stable housing
- early intervention and prevention
- holistic, wraparound, youth‑focused support.
When housing meets young people’s needs and is paired with the right support, it creates stability, belonging, and opportunity.
Ending youth homelessness takes all of us
Ending youth homelessness requires more than awareness. It requires commitment, collaboration, and action.
It means investing early, working together across the community, government, and private sector, and putting proven solutions into practice.
As Pam said simply:
We can’t do it alone. We’re going to do it together.
We’re nearly 50!
Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service has walked alongside young people facing disadvantage and homelessness. Almost five decades on, our mission remains: helping Brisbane’s young people shape new futures. As we approach our golden jubilee in 2027, we invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements and resilience of young people, listening to their voices, and driving lasting change, together.
We’re nearly 50!
Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service has walked alongside young people facing disadvantage and homelessness. Almost five decades on, our mission remains: helping Brisbane’s young people shape new futures. As we approach our golden jubilee in 2027, we invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements and resilience of young people, listening to their voices, and driving lasting change, together.