Brisbane young people are increasingly dependent on homeless charities, prompting the Brisbane Youth Service to urge people to participate in Daggy Jumper Day on Wednesday.
Brisbane Youth Service CEO Pam Barker said the service had experienced an 88 per cent increase in requests for support in the past four years.
“The latest census data paints a grim picture, with 37 per cent of homeless Queenslanders under 25 years old,” she said. “In Brisbane, the housing situation is at crisis point and a lack of safe, affordable housing is pushing more young people and young families into homelessness.” The event is one of the organisation’s major annual fundraisers, with donations used to support young people and young families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“People of all ages are encouraged to rug up in a daggy jumper, silly sweater, or hideous hoodie to raise money to help young people find safe housing and build a better, brighter future,” a charity spokesman said.
Originally published in Tuesday August 6, 2024 print edition of the Courier Mail.