Minister O’Neil MP’s visit to Lighthouse Foundation’s Southern Hub Home
In her first week as Housing and Homelessness Minister, The Hon Clare O’Neil MP visited Lighthouse Foundation’s newly opened Southern Hub Home. Her visit coincides with Homelessness Week, emphasising the urgent need to address the growing issue of homelessness in Australia.
Key Statistics:
• More than 45,000 people in Australia under the age of 25 are facing homelessness, and those aged 19 to 24 experience the highest incidence of homelessness of any age group
• The most recent Census data, released in March 2023, shows nearly a quarter (23%) of all Australians experiencing homelessness are aged 12 to 24 years.
• Over 7,600 young people aged 12-24 are experiencing homelessness in Victoria, which is an enormous 19.7% increase since 2016
• 1 in 7 people experiencing homelessness are children under 12 years.
Minister O’Neil highlighted the necessity for concerted efforts to combat homelessness, stressing the importance of providing safe and stable housing for all Australians.
Minister O’Neil said,
“Our government is committed to addressing all aspects of the housing crisis, and homelessness is central to that challenge. We are making significant investments to provide Australians with safe housing and support vulnerable people in our community. We have committed more funding to housing in the last budget than the previous government did during their entire nine-year term in government.”
Lighthouse Foundation’s CEO, Brenda Boland, spoke of the urgent need for increased federal and state investment in programs to support vulnerable young people and called on the community to join with Lighthouse to break the cycle of homelessness.
Lighthouse’s Southern Hub Home is the second home away from home for foster carers and families, following the pioneering support network established in Melbourne’s north three years ago.
The home allows foster and kinship carers to access additional support, including therapy and training, and practical help such as assistance with school drop-offs. Hub homes are also used for overnight stays for children and provide a safe place for families to connect.
“This model, unique to Lighthouse, is rewriting the way foster families and kinship care families are supported, providing additional support beyond what is funded in recognition of the critical role carers play for vulnerable children and families”, said Ms Boland.
‘Our Lighthouse Homes, Foster and Family Care and In Community care environments ensure our support reaches vulnerable children and young people where and when they need it, for as long as necessary to support them to heal and thrive,’ Ms Boland said.
Lighthouse Foundation is a Victorian-based charity which provides homes and therapeutic care programs to young people impacted by long-term neglect, abuse and homelessness. Their focus is to create caring communities where all young people – from babies through to young adults – can feel safe, form meaningful relationships and begin to heal from traumatic experiences. Ultimately, their vision is to end youth homelessness in collaboration with the community, corporate and philanthropic partners.
Lighthouse Foundation
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www.nativeshop.com.au
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