Youth homelessness in Lithgow is in a state of crisis according to a youth case worker at Lithgow’s Community Projects.
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“There is no housing affordability for young people in Lithgow,” specialist youth case worker, Michelle Ringin said.
“Rentals are scarce, particularly at an affordable rate for young people on low incomes like Youth Allowance or Newstart.”
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Lithgow Community Projects, a specialist homeless service, worked with 96 young people between the ages of 12 and 24 who were homeless or at risk of homelessness in the 2015-2016 business year.
“For a lot of young people that we see, homelessness is trans-generational,” Ms Ringin said.
“That’s just for our local community. Kids come through our service when parents at some stage have also come through our service.
“It happens because there is a lack of education, lack of employment opportunities or physical and mental health issues.
“There are so many things a family can go through that contribute to the youth homeless we see today.”
Wednesday, April 5, marks Youth Homelessness Matters Day. The theme for 2017 is ‘Skills to Pay the Bills’, drawing attention to the relationship between homelessness and employment opportunities.
A survey conducted by the YFoundations found the unemployment rate for homeless youth in NSW is 55 per cent, as opposed to 13 per cent for young people generally.
Ms Ringin said unemployment and disengagement from education are factors that contribute to youth homelessness in Lithgow, however, they generally do not cause it.
“Young people don’t leave home because they want to. Youth Homelessness Matters Day is about breaking that misconception.
“In most cases conflict, violence or abuse at home that makes them leave.”
Lithgow Community Projects works with young people to break cycles of homelessness by making engagement with school, work or an employment agency mandatory to receive housing support.
They also work with clients on budgeting and tenancy skills when they are ready to enter the rental market.
“We have a good relationship with the three rental agents in Lithgow, and the Department of Housing.”
Young people can call Lithgow Community Projects’ Youth Worx services on 1800 664 996.
