ABSTRACT
We are not all the same: Exploring Difference in Young People’s Experiences of Couch Surfing Versus Sleeping Rough
Rhianon Vichta and Katie Hail-Jares, Brisbane Youth Service
Recent surveys of young Australians show more young people couch surfing than ever before, although not all classified themselves as homeless. Envisioning couch surfing as a form of extended sleep-over with a friend has contributed to the perception that couch surfing is a secondary and potentially less concerning form of homelessness; or not even a form of young homelessness at all.
While young people couch surfing may experience a degree of instability or reduced comfort, the assumption is that it is considerably safer and healthier than sleeping rough. There is considerable research that supports the highly negative impacts of rough sleeping including violence, poor physical and mental health, social isolation, substance abuse and juvenile crime. When framed by this research, couch surfing seems like the preferred option, promoting less risk and less exposure to harm. But does couch surfing live up to this assumption?