Housing or houselessness support
There are lots of reasons why drug or alcohol use can become a problem for someone.
For many young people across Victoria, houselessness doesn’t always look like sleeping rough. It can look like couch surfing, living in a car, or staying somewhere unsafe because there are no other options.
For many young people, homelessness and alcohol or other drug challenges can be connected, but one doesn’t always cause the other. Family violence, family breakdown, mental health challenges, financial stress, and a shortage of affordable housing, are just some of the reasons someone may not have safe place to call home.
A safe place to sleep, trusted relationships and the right support can change the course of a someone’s life and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
If you’re worried about where you’ll sleep tonight, or any night, support is available from a range of organisations and workers.
Services like YSAS can support you through our workers or programs to get connected to housing specific services that can help you find a safe place to stay and even help you address issues that may be contributing to you experiencing homelessness.
Youth housing support
If you’re a young person experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or need support to find a safe place to live, there are a range of youth-specific housing services available across Victoria.
Melbourne City Mission
Frontyard Youth Services assists young people aged 12 to 24 who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Frontyard provides crisis accommodation support combined with services that address physical, emotional and social needs. This is a drop-in centre where no referrals are necessary.Â
Youth Projects
With programs like the Living Room which s a primary health service that provides free healthcare and support to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals who are, or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Youth projects also can support you with providing appliances and furniture when you do have a place to stay.
Berry Street
Their housing programs provide young people with a safe and stable place to live while they work towards their goals and develop independent living skills.
For general enquiries, please call them on 03 9429 9266 or enquire online.
Anglicare Victoria
Anglicare Victoria’s Youth Refuges provide a safe and secure environment for young people to ensure they have the physical and psychological space to enact positive change in their lives.
Kirrang Wilam Youth Refuge – Anglicare Victoria’s Kirrang Wilam Youth Refuge is a Department of Health and Human Services funded crisis accommodation program for young people aged 16-22 who are experiencing homelessness. The program offers short-term accommodation for 6-8 weeks and can have up to four females and three males at any given time. Young people who leave the program are then offered time limited outreach support.
The Salvation Army
From housing options, outreach programs, life skills programs to holistic case management, their youth services assist young people so no one is left in need.
Department of Health and Human Services – 24/7 Crisis & emergency accomodation
You can access free, 24/7 emergency housing support and local referrals in Victoria by calling the statewide helpline at 1800 825 955Â for 24 hour homelessness assistance. This service connects you directly with housing and support workers. Find out more.