Report finds the wellbeing of Australia’s young homeless improves when housing and employment issues are addressed

WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. A new report released by Sydney-based charity for youth-at-risk, Stepping Stone House (SSH, www.steppingstonehouse.com.au) has revealed a significant improvement in the wellbeing of young homeless and at-risk people when challenges such as building resilience, finding and securing employment, managing finances and savings, and past traumas are addressed. 

The Social Impact Performance Report, carried out in partnership with well-being specialists Huber Social, found the young people participating in the program run by SSH had a 40 per cent shift in their wellbeing since the baseline measurement at the start of their tenure at SSH. 

The results show the main impact areas were in Life Skills, Employment and Mental Health. Participants in the Stepping Stone House program have seen a 223 percent rise in their ability to find and secure employment which has a marked impact on their positive wellbeing shift. Similarly, when they feel comfortable being vulnerable with others, their wellbeing increased significantly.    

The report also found positive shifts on all of the lowest scoring factors when they first start at SSH. For example, when vulnerable young people were given life skills towards independence, their ability to find emergency accommodation (having somewhere to stay if forced out of current accommodation) increased by 153 per cent. 

Stepping Stone House CEO, Jason Juretic, said, “These results clearly indicate youth homelessness is part of a much bigger social issue. Lack of affordable housing, domestic and family violence, weak or non-existent family support, lack of employment all contribute to young people being homeless.  

“As we look to World Homeless Day this October (Thursday 10 October) as a time to reflect on what more can be done to effect real change for the countless young people experiencing homelessness in across Australia, it is encouraging to see that what we do and what we fundamentally believe in is having a real, tangible impact” he said. 

Huber Social defines wellbeing as “A state of being, not an emotion. It requires the capability and opportunity to be in the best position to fulfil your potential and live a life of value.” 

The latest census shows that 38% of Australia’s homeless population is made up of youths – people under the age of 25. Youth homelessness is fast becoming an ‘invisible’ crisis and without access to a safe, supportive and loving environment, Australia’s homeless youth face a very bleak future. 

This year, through their annual fundraising event, Sleep Under the Stars, SSH is aiming to raise to $800,000 to provide a home to 21 young people for a year. The event will bring together people of all ages and backgrounds in a community effort to support young people who are unable to live at home.  

To date, more than 450 youths have been successfully helped by Stepping Stone House and have received mentorship, education, learning and development programs and invaluable emotional support as they find their feet.  

Mr. Juretic hopes this will be a record-breaking year for the charity and boost their efforts to increase the wellbeing of homeless young people across New South Wales. Fundraising events like this go a long way in ensuring the youth of our country have the opportunity to build a solid foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future.  ~ENDS 

To get involved in ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ or donate to the cause, visit: www.sleepunderthestars.com.au 

For a copy of the full report, please contact Stepping Stone House. 

About Stepping Stone House (http://steppingstonehouse.com.au/): For 30 years, Stepping Stone House has paved the way for vulnerable youth aged 12 - 24 to develop and grow into self-sufficient and independent adults, starting with a safe and secure home environment. Through their unique ‘Stepping Stones to Success’ model, the non-profit aims to transform the lives of vulnerable youth; many of whom have been homeless and are unable to live with their families. Stepping Stone House is a nurturing ‘home away from home’, where young people stay for years as part of a dedicated family.