A growing crisis in youth homelessness has led to calls for increased funding for crisis accommodation in Perth, Australia. Young individuals are reportedly being held in mental health wards and hospitals without proper support, often due to a lack of alternative housing options.
Brooke, a former homeless youth, spent seven months in a mental health ward after being diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. Now at the age of 20 and a member of the Youth Homelessness Advisory Council, she describes her experience as terrifying and isolating. “They needed to release me to an address, but I didn’t have one,” she recalled, highlighting a critical gap in crisis services for those with mental health needs. On her 16th birthday, she remained confined, unaware of when she would be released.
After her time in the mental health ward, Brooke struggled to find suitable transitional accommodation, ultimately becoming homeless again. She spent an additional three months in a mainstream hospital, again due to the absence of appropriate housing. Her story is emblematic of the challenges many young people face as they navigate homelessness in Perth.
According to recent data, an alarming 69 teenagers and young adults under the age of 25 are vying for just one crisis bed available in the metropolitan area each night. Frontline workers have confirmed that there are only 32 youth crisis beds available, with one bed becoming accessible daily under the short-stay model. Experts state that the city needs three times this amount to adequately support all young street sleepers known to them, as recorded in the Perth By-Name List. Even more young rough sleepers remain unlisted.
The demand for crisis accommodation is particularly high among individuals aged 21 to 25, who are eligible for only five of the existing 32 beds. These young adults must also compete with teenagers for limited resources.
Brooke expressed gratitude for the assistance she received from various centres, including Carlow House, Safe Places, and Fusion Housing, as well as support from friends and hospitals after becoming homeless at 15. Currently residing in a unit at Youth Foyer in Leederville, a specialized accommodation for at-risk youths, she has gained the stability needed to pursue a certificate in community services and a diploma in youth work. “I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come with my accommodation,” she said, emphasizing the impact of stable housing on her life.
Brooke is part of a coalition advocating for increased investment in youth homelessness. Organizations such as the Youth Affairs Council, Shelter WA, Mission Australia, Vinnies, Indigo Junction, the WA Council of Social Services, and the WA Alliance to End Homelessness have collaborated on a pre-budget submission. They are calling for a “Housing First for Youth” model, which would include three additional Youth Foyers and more crisis accommodation options.
Sue Budalich from Mission Australia highlighted the need for young people to focus on their future rather than worrying about their nightly shelter. Similarly, Sharon Gough from Indigo Junction pointed out the severe shortage of beds, which often leads to young people being turned away from essential services due to complex needs and restrictive entry criteria.
In Western Australia, there are currently no affordable rental properties available for a young single adult relying on Youth Allowance. Kylie Wallace from the Youth Affairs Council noted that many expect the wealthiest state in Australia to provide safe accommodation for homeless youths. “In reality, many are turned away every day because there are no beds for them,” she stated. “Access to accommodation should be guaranteed; it’s not a ‘nice to have’.”
The urgency of this situation is stark, with data revealing that a young person aged 15 to 24 who accessed homelessness support died every six days during the 2022–23 period. Suicide was reported as the leading cause of death for individuals under 24.
As the debate intensifies, advocates and organizations continue to push for immediate action to address youth homelessness in Perth and across Australia.
