Yfoundations reframes survival TV to expose youth homelessness reality in new campaign

Yfoundations is sounding the alarm on the escalating crisis of youth homelessness in Australia, revealing that over 43,000 young Australians are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. Despite representing nearly 40% of the total homeless population, young people are often overlooked, with insufficient resources and a lack of a national strategy to address their homelessness leaving them vulnerable and unsupported.

Yfoundations is calling on the Federal Government to prioritise the development and implementation of a comprehensive national youth homelessness strategy, adequately resourced to meet the growing demand for services. The organisation is also urging the community to support their efforts by signing the petition calling on all governments to make ending youth homelessness a priority. The petition is available at yhmd.org.au where donations to support the campaign and the delivery of services to young people experiencing homelessness are also welcome.

Data reveals the dire state of the nation’s youth homelessness services, with half of the young people seeking refuge in 2023–24 being turned away due to lack of capacity. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for increased funding and expanded infrastructure to support this vulnerable population.

Most recently Yfoundations launched the ‘Young and Alone’ content series, a faux new reality TV show that brings to life the raw realities of surviving as a young person experiencing homelessness in Australia. The popularity of shows like Survivor and Alone has turned survival into entertainment. We’re fascinated by watching adults battle brutal conditions for fun, but survival isn’t a social experiment for young people experiencing homelessness – it’s a hard-hitting reality and the content series shines the light on this.

Yfoundations CEO, John Macmillan, says: “We are facing a national crisis that demands immediate attention. With Young and Alone, we’ve flipped survival entertainment on its head – because for young people experiencing homelessness, survival isn’t a game. This series confronts the raw reality too many young Australians face every day.

“The fact that half of the young people seeking crisis accommodation are being turned away due to a lack of capacity is simply unacceptable. We need a national youth homelessness plan, adequately resourced, to ensure that every young person has access to the support they need to thrive.”

The crisis disproportionately affects Indigenous children and young people, who represent a significant proportion of those seeking assistance. The stories of young people experiencing homelessness are heartbreaking, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support.

Youth Homelessness Representative Council member Natasha shared her experience: “I didn’t realise that I was homeless until it came to a point when I was staying between my friends’ house and one of my friend’s parents offered for me to live there. I was 15 at this point and I felt like I had no other choice.”

Adds Macmillan: “Youth homelessness is not just a statistic; it’s a human tragedy. We need to raise awareness, drive action, and ensure that every young person in Australia has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”