Paving the Way Foundation, Inc’s Post

November is a crucial month for those working to end homelessness for youth and families. With just two months to go, there is much to do to ensure people who do not work in this field can see and envision a brighter future for all young people and their families. I’m curious to know what others are interested in discussing/learning. 1. Are you interested in a particular aspect of homelessness — hunger, housing, education, mental health, or how it can be a pipeline to trafficking? 2. Do you want to get into the crux of it to discuss how systems intersect to cause homelessness and what we, as a community and individuals, can do to end it? I want to hear your thoughts! Let me know in a comment or message me. My Inbox is open. #socialgood #socialjustice #socialimpact #housingaffordability #housingmarket

When my daughter was 13, her best friend started sleeping over and one day asked if she could stay permanently. We found her a bed and welcomed her into our family without any legal involvement. I never considered her a homeless person. But according to the Youth Success Project, when she first started staying with us, she was. I attended an informational presentation on Youth and Young Adult Homelessness in New Hampshire presented by the Youth Success Project. The Youth Success Project is run by youths with lived experience on homelessness. They are collectively working to change the definitions of and awareness of unaccompanied homeless youth under age 25. They bring their voices to a critical problem for youth that is severely unrecognized and want to change how we view homelessness. Because all systems here in New Hampshire (HUD, DHHS, etc) all have differing definitions and requirements for homelessness, it often goes underreported. According to the Chaplin Hall Study of 2017: ❗️1 in 10 youths ages 18-25 faces some form of homelessness in a single year in New Hampshire! The Youth Success Project presents the results of the New Hampshire Youth Count of 2022 with the following diagram of important statistics to be aware of. I would like to commend these young people who are courageously and valiantly sharing their lived experiences to change the dialogue around this critical issue. #youthhomelessness #advocacy #homelessness Link provided for more information: https://lnkd.in/eMBk-Ypg

Did you know that 23% of people accessing homelessness services are between the ages of 12 and 24? With the final meeting for the state budget taking place TODAY, we’re urgently calling (along with Yfoundations and Shelter NSW) on the NSW Government to fund a dedicated Child and Youth Action Plan. Trish Connolly, YFoundations CEO, says “Without a clear overarching strategy to tackle youth homelessness in Australia, the crisis is only going to get worse.” “We need to ensure that our children and young people are safe, supported and given every opportunity to thrive. But this is only a reality if a clear and targeted standalone Child and Youth Action Plan is put in place.” Children and young people need support that’s developmentally appropriate for them, such as specialist youth crisis accommodation, family reunification services, DFV support or affordable private rentals. We’re urging the NSW Government to make the right decision today and provide funding for a desperately-needed Child and Youth Action Plan to help the thousands of kids across our state who are suffering. #homelessness #homelessnessnsw #children #youngpeople #nswgovernment #policy #advocacy #community

The team at StreetSmart have been devastated by the recent increase in violence towards women. From our work we know that family and domestic violence is the largest driver of homelessness for women and children in Australia. It is the main reason why women and children leave their homes and communities, and then face homelessness, poverty, and isolation. Right now critical services, that can keep women safe, are underfunded and too many women are turned away and have to return to dangerous relationships. Specialist domestic and family violence services, specialist homelessness services, and community legal centres all need more resources, if we are to protect women. May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and through our grant making, material aid program SleepSafe and advocacy, we will continue to respond, where we can, to boost capacity of frontline services. We welcome the recent discussions and commitments while continuing to call for national leadership and Governments, at all levels, to provide the frontline funding required to immediately respond to this crisis and invest in the solutions backed by experts and sector leaders. https://lnkd.in/gq5hnbwG #homelssness #endinghomelessness #FDV #domesticviolence #women #housing

AWHA is known for being on the cutting-edge of transformative policy solutions to end and prevent youth homelessness. One of those cutting-edge strategies that uplift our work is direct cash transfers for youth. According to Point Source Youth @pointsourceyouth Direct Cash Transfers (DCT) are a growing global intervention proven to meet the needs of young people remotely, digitally, and efficiently. The way DCT programs for youth work is simple: program staff distributes cash to youth either remotely or safely in person at a frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) that works best for them. At A Way Home America, we recognize that DCTs support the agency, dignity and empowerment of eligible recipients, like unsheltered and homeless youth. #endyouthhomelessness #directcashtransfer #homeless #homelessyouth #housingisahumanright

On Youth Homelessness Matters Day, more than 43000* Australian children and young people could be without a home each night. Let that sink in. In this article, Harry Sanders, who experienced homelessness after being kicked out of home at 17, shares his journey from couch-surfing to establishing StudioHawk, Australia's largest dedicated search engine optimisation agency. Now 26, Sanders uses his story to destigmatise youth homelessness and advocate for more resources to break the vicious cycle. With youth homelessness on the rise due to mental health issues, family violence, and the housing crisis, organisations like Lighthouse Foundation are witnessing younger children in need of assistance. As the community comes together for events like the installation of 268 life-size cut-outs at Victoria State Library, raising awareness and addressing the root causes of youth homelessness on Youth Homelessness Matters Day and beyond is crucial. Read more https://lnkd.in/greJfWzT #youthhomelessnessmattersday #youth #materialbasics *Data from census night 2021

A Point-in-Time study conducted by the Community Shelter Board revealed some concerning trends: 42% of those experiencing homelessness identify as female. 20% of the homeless population is under 18 years old. There has been a 5% increase in families experiencing homelessness. These numbers highlight the need for increased support services for vulnerable populations, especially women and children. We need to do more to ensure everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.

Women experience homelessness differently to men. They’re less likely to be counted in outreach street counts because they feel safer walking around all night, or riding the bus for as long as they’re allowed. Women and especially single mums disproportionately feature in temporary accommodation - having to resort to putting their babies milk out of the window to keep it cold without access to a fridge. This #iwd2024 we at Homewards want to #inspireinclusion by spotlighting services and initiatives that are going above and beyond to recognise womens individual experiences, and ensure they are supported in the best way to end the cycle of homelessness. This work by Westminster Violence Against Women and Girls Housing First Project in partnership with Solace Women's Aid and Westminster City Council is an excellent example - supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse to get the support they need in a way that helps them to feel safe. Women's homelessness: 'I know if I call, someone will always pick up' https://lnkd.in/dspU6M8y

Despite the efforts of many, over 40,000 young people aged between 15 and 24 years old are alone with nowhere to live each year. We also know that young people who are First Nations, LGBTIQ+, culturally diverse, or disabled are disproportionately impacted by youth homelessness. We need an urgent, nation-wide, coordinated and youth-specific response now. This Youth Homelessness Matters Day, AYAC urges you to support these two leading campaigns driving for change: Take action through the Home Time National Campaign and its strategy to unlock Australia’s housing system for young people: https://lnkd.in/dMBM47R6 Sign the YFoundations petition calling on the federal government to develop a standalone National Child and Youth Homelessness and Housing Plan: https://lnkd.in/eXkyzz_E Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Youth Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 13YARN: 13 92 76 QLife: 1800 184 527 #YHMD24 #FixHousingForYoungPeople #HomeTime #YouthHomelessness #AusPol

Today marks the beginning of National Homelessness Week. This year's theme is, “Homelessness Action Now”. There are different types of housing support across Australia. These include places to stay in an emergency, places for longer-term stays, and support with paying rent and bond. If you are impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence and experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, you can search our Service Directory for housing services near you: https://lnkd.in/gpB53Xa7 You can also contact 1800RESPECT for information, counselling and support: call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services. (Image text: Did you know? Domestic and family violence is the main reason women and children leave their homes in Australia. Source: Specialist homelessness services annual report 2022–23.) #1800RESPECT #counselling #support #relationships #familyviolence #domesticviolence #sexualviolence #housing #nationalhomelessnessweek #NHW2024