Raising awareness of a complex issue

FROM homeless youth to individuals escaping domestic violence or suffering from mental health issues, Mallee Family Care is often the first port of call. 

When it comes to the issue of homelessness, the organisation’s main focus revolves around working with accommodation providers to try and place youths in secure living environments.

Mallee Family Care was well represented at Friday’s youth homelessness round table, with employee George Mudford advocating for what he described as an “invisible” issue. 

Mr Mudford said they had been working closely with other key players to ensure the round table was initiated.

He said working closer with other agencies has allowed them to gain a better insight into the number of young people impacted by the issue.

“Just the amount of young people on our radar alerted us to go beyond mandating the situation,” Mr Mudford said.

“We considered some of the factors that were preventing us from getting better outcomes and solving the youth housing problem.” 

Mr Mudford said although the issue was complex, there was a simple answer.

“Support and housing, it’s a simple solution but we know it works,” he said. 

“With the right mix of support and somewhere stable to call home, that is what is important.” 

For more on this special report grab a copy of today’s Guardian (April 12)