Vulnerable young people sleeping on inner Sydney streets will see friendly faces every week with more outreach teams offering safe housing and support.
The Homelessness Outreach Support Team program has been expanded. Working with Launchpad Youth Community, the team walks the streets of inner Sydney to proactively offer safe housing and support to homeless young people.
In 2016-17, more than 18,936 young people aged 15-24 years were helped by homelessness services in NSW. Being homeless can be especially hard for young people, affecting their mental and physical health as well as their education. Reducing youth homelessness is a NSW Premier’s Priority.
Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward said the Homelessness Outreach Support Team was on the front line of the Government’s push to tackle youth homelessness.
“We have to be proactive in the way we engage with young people sleeping rough. Building trust and a solid relationship with young people who may not feel comfortable or empowered to ask for help is a must,” Ms Goward said.
“That is why it is vital that we are out on the streets every week, working proactively to offer help and move these young people quickly into housing.”
Find out how you can access homelessness services and programs in NSW.