Brisbane Youth Service is grateful to Minister Scanlon and the Queensland Department of Housing for today’s announcement that a vacant Brisbane motel will be transformed to accommodate vulnerable young people experiencing homelessness.
Brisbane Youth Service CEO Pam Barker said that while the sector works to create long-term housing solutions, all emergency options must be explored to avoid young people sleeping on the streets at risk of further exposure to violence and trauma.
“Repurposing establishments like a vacant motor inn could provide a safe environment for 19 young people to be housed in a specialist supported, emergency setting,” Ms Barker said.
“While the number of young people sleeping rough continues to rise, there is no emergency accommodation for 16 to 25-year-olds in the Brisbane Region.
“We must act urgently to ensure young people are kept safe and receive appropriate supports at a pivotal time in their lives, to break the long-term cycle of homelessness into adulthood.”
Brisbane Youth Service is committed to working with the Queensland government and other stakeholders to address the urgent need for more housing options for young people who face the highest rates of homelessness in Australia.
“We urge the government to continue to invest in prevention and early intervention strategies, as well as long-term housing solutions, to ensure that every young person has a safe and stable place to call home.”
ENDS
Brisbane Youth Service Media Contact:
Emily Nunes
P: 0481 558 783
Notes:
- Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service has been working to create new futures for vulnerable and at-risk young people (aged 12-25 years) and their children, providing free, confidential services including: crisis and transitional housing; emergency relief; physical and mental health services; alcohol and drug interventions; and specialist programs for young women and young families.
- In 2022-23, Brisbane Youth Service provided almost 60,000 occasions of support to young people aged 12-25 years, and their children.
- Brisbane Youth Service has seen a 29% increase in occasions of support over the past three years.
- Almost half of young people Brisbane Youth Service meets are homeless. Most are also experiencing a range of other complex issues and barriers such as:
- 73% have experienced family violence
- 61% have a diagnosed mental health illness (an increase of 34% in five years)
- 64% are disengaged from education or unemployed
- 55% have no or poor family support
- 26% have current legal issues
- 20% have an identified disability
- 18% have no source of income
- Brisbane Youth Service meets young people at a crucial time of great need but also great opportunity for early intervention, if able to provide critical wraparound supports.