Youth Homelessness Matters Day 2024: The purpose of Youth Homelessness Matters Day, which is observed this year on April 17th, is to promote public discourse and awareness regarding the plight of homeless youth. The day seeks to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that can assist these individuals in pursuing their aspirations and necessities. Did you know that on any given night, more than 20,000 young persons in Australia (aged 12 to 24) are homeless? From 2019 to 2020, over fifty percent of 18-year-olds who utilized homelessness services had been victims of domestic or family violence. Thus, adolescent homelessness is significant.
The History of Youth Homelessness Awareness Day
Youth Homelessness Matters Day (Y.H.M.D.) is an annual nationwide initiative that has been conducted since 1990. It is observed on the third Wednesday of April, which falls in the midst of Youth Week. Its purpose is to increase community and decision-maker awareness regarding the issue of youth homelessness. As a National juvenile Coalition for Housing initiative, Y.H.M.D. empowers individuals to declare that juvenile homelessness is an issue that merits attention. 28,000 Australians aged 12 to 24 are homeless, representing 24% of the homeless population and 16% of the general population, according to the 2016 Census.
Reportedly, one in every six young individuals has possibly encountered homelessness at some point. The overwhelming majority of youths experiencing homelessness are concealed within shelters, sleeping in vehicles with their families, or couch-surfing. Generally, these young people are homeless as a result of fleeing violence, conflict, or family disintegration. Furthermore, extreme overcrowding constitutes the leading cause of their destitution. Many of these youths develop substance abuse and mental health issues as a result.
The Australian homelessness services system is overburdened and inadequately funded, leading to the denial of applications. Adolescents grappling with substance abuse, mental health disorders, and disruptive behaviors will encounter increased barriers in accessing shelter. These youths require a large number of highly trained personnel available around the clock, but the majority of crisis services lack the financial resources to provide such care at this time. Moreover, homelessness among young people occurs in remote or rural regions of Australia. Furthermore, the absence of shelters, social housing, and support services can exacerbate the devastation.
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FAQs for Youth Homelessness Matters Day
What is the greatest need of destitute youth?
Jeans are the most commonly requested items in homeless shelters.
Why is homelessness among adolescents a significant problem?
It is less likely that homeless youth will remain enrolled in school, maintain friendships, or obtain employment. In addition, they have an increased likelihood of developing mental health issues, substance misuse, and malnutrition.
How does an individual experience homelessness?
Homeless individuals are frequently susceptible to contracting infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis A, B, and C, H.I.V./AIDS, and tuberculosis.
Observing Youth Homelessness Matters Day: A Guide
Obtain action
Disseminate the details regarding the Youth Homelessness Matters Day campaign to your local decision-maker via social media or Twitter. You may also organize an online discussion regarding juvenile homelessness.
Disrupt preconceptions
Young people frequently depart from home because they desire to, contrary to a prevalent misconception. They flee because family dissolution, housing instability, or domestic and family violence forces them to. Therefore, defy this stereotype.
Participating Volunteer
Donate to an organization that assists youths experiencing homelessness. It would be advisable to conduct further research on organizations that take donations and volunteers.
Five Homelessness Facts You Should Know
Over eleven thousand individuals experience it.
Homeless individuals in Australia exceed 116,000, including juveniles.
Likewise, children experience it.
Unfortunately, over 15,800 minors under the age of 12 lack a permanent residence.
Life expectancy for men is less than 50 years.
Homeless males endure subzero temperatures nearly every night, resulting in an average life expectancy of 45 to 47 years for those who have been homeless for over a decade.
Certain individuals experience cold-related ailments.
An estimated 21% of the homeless population has experienced cold-related ailments, including trench foot, frostbite, or pneumonia.
4% of all dwellings are social accommodation.
A mere 4% of all dwellings in Australia are classified as social housing, and the inability to afford housing can exacerbate the issue of homelessness.
YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 17 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | April 16 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April 15 | Wednesday |
