Brisbane Youth Service is calling on the community to dig out their silly sweaters and support vulnerable young people for Daggy Jumper Day, Friday 6 August, as part of Homelessness Week.
This year’s official Homelessness Week theme is ‘Everybody Needs a Home’, a message that is particularly pressing for under 25 year old’s who make up 42% of Australia’s homeless population*.
Brisbane Youth Service is at the frontline of the youth homelessness crisis.
“Since July last year the number of requests for assistance have more than doubled and the lack of affordable housing is pushing more young people and young families into homelessness,” said Brisbane Youth Service CEO Annemaree Callander.
In the past year national house rents increased by 15.1% and there were zero affordable private rentals for a person living on Youth Allowance or Jobseeker**.
“Young people, many struggling with complex issues, are being disproportionately affected by the housing crisis and Brisbane Youth Service urgently needs community support to meet the demand for emergency accommodation and assistance for those with nowhere to go,” said Callander.
“Please get behind #DaggyJumperDay and help Brisbane Youth Service provide vital assistance to young people in Brisbane experiencing homelessness this winter. Visit www.daggy.com.au for more information.”
*2016 ABS Census
**2021 Anglicare Annual Rental Affordability Snapshot
Additional Information and Statistics:
- This year’s Homelessness Week theme reflects the urgent need for social and affordable housing across the country and encourages support of the Everybody’s Home campaign to build more social housing, helping to end homelessness and create jobs
- Each year more than 1,400 young people in crisis (aged 12-24years) are supported by Brisbane Youth Service
- 54% are homeless, 71% have experienced family violence, 55% have a diagnosed mental health issue and 22% are young parents
- Most are also experiencing a range of other complex issues and barriers such as:
➢ 82% are in unsafe, unsuitable or unaffordable housing
➢ 60% have no or poor family support
➢ 51% are disengaged from education or unemployed
➢ 33% have current legal issues
➢ 23% have no source of income
- In the last 12 months, 79% of young people who were homeless when they came to BYS were able to move into safe and secure housing, thanks to our support
Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service has been working to create new futures for vulnerable and at-risk young people (aged 12-24 years), providing free, confidential services including: crisis and transitional housing; emergency relief; physical and mental health services; specialist young women’s services; and parenting and family assistance.
For media enquiries please contact:
Emily Nunes
Brisbane Youth Service
P: 0481 558 783 E: enunes@brisyouth.org