REPRESENTATIVES across Swan Hill’s youth sector have joined forces in a bid to tackle youth homelessness in what they claim to be an “invisible issue.”
A round table last Friday held with Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, hoped to shed some light on the issue.
The meeting, primarily organised by Murray Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network (MMLLEN), marked the first step in combating the crisis.
MMLLEN executive officer Deb Quin said it became clear that action needed to be taken after representatives from the FLO Campus and Mallee Family Care expressed concerns.
“The MMLLEN was the one that got the partners together and we formed our little sub committee,” Ms Quin said.
“I have been in this game for a long time and there has always been an ongoing lack of accommodation and supported accommodation.”
Key social services from across the Swan Hill region sent representatives to discuss the magnitude of the housing crisis with Mr Walsh.
Representatives at the meeting told Mr Walsh that there was a desperate need for housing availability for young people, particularly displaced youths and potential students.
There’s currently limited available rental opportunities for homeless youth as they do not have a rental history and can not afford the current rental prices if they are in high school or seeking a higher education.
For more on this special report grab a copy of today’s Guardian (April 12)
