The Department of Human Services (DHS) marked Youth Homelessness Matters Day last week (17 April) by highlighting its Community Engagement Officers (CEO) who work with community organisations to help keep youth homelessness to a minimum.
In support of its CEOs the Department said that having a place to live was something most people took for granted.
“The reality is that in Australia one in 200 people sleep rough each night, with 42 per cent of all homeless people under the age of 25,” the Department said.
“Youth Homelessness Matters Day is a timely reminder of the struggle young people face without a roof over their heads. It is also an opportunity to recognise the people who work tirelessly to better those young lives.”
It said one of its Community Engagement Officer working in Ipswich, Queensland was Sam Field (pictured).
“Young people and mental health are my key focus areas, which often go hand and hand,” Ms Field, one of 90 DHS CEOs around Australia, said.
“I strongly believe that as a community we need to work together to see young people succeed, have a home and be safe.”
She said the Centrelink process could be overwhelming at first, especially for youth, but CEOs could help young people understand the process so they were well supported.
This includes working with Headspace, the Department of Youth Justice and the Ipswich Community Youth Service (ICYS).
Manager of the ICYS, Amanda Margerison said Ms Field was an important partner and her role was pivotal to supporting the region’s young people.
“She assists those who are displaced from family and other supports to access payments, and find safe and affordable housing options faster,” Ms Margerison said.
“This is particularly important in regional areas where young people do not always have access to transport and services that can assist them.”
