Former foster child speaks out for vulnerable young people caught in rental crisis

Felicity Graham, 19, was facing homelessness after her foster care finished. A special program has helped her find her feet, and she is speaking up for others facing the same situation.

Former foster child Felicity Graham fears for vulnerable youth caught in the rental crunch.

Ms Graham was facing homelessness before AnglicareSA’s social housing division, Believe Housing, helped her secure a subsidised Housing SA rental property.

The 19-year-old author and foster care advocate moved into an unit several months ago with her cat, Hazel.

She said the “scariest part” of her life was almost becoming homeless.

“I was lucky enough to get into housing but there’s young people tonight who are sleeping on streets, in homeless shelters, hotels, motels or couch surfing,” she said.

“More and more kids are ending up on the streets when they age out of the child protection system.

“With this rental crisis it’s bound to increase drastically.”

Author and former Foster Child Felicity Graham, is highlighting the current rent crisis issues with their impact on youth leaving care. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Ms Graham was one of the first participants in an Anglicare pilot scheme providing supported accommodation to youths who must leave child protection when they turn 18.

The program operates a 15-bed complex in Adelaide’s inner west to help vulnerable youths aged between 16 and 18 to live independently.

Once they turn 18, they are provided with a rental property, which is subsidised.

“You get support from youth workers who are on call and come and do check-ins,” said Ms Graham.

“The client is on Centrelink youth allowance which helps with rent and bills.”

Ms Graham said Anglicare’s program had “saved me in so many ways”.

“I have the support of workers whenever I need it and the everlasting relationships I have made are very important to me,” she said.

Ms Graham said there should more programs to help vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness.

“Having apartment complexes available with support and services for young people so they can go into adulthood thriving and with a roof over their head will help a lot,” she said.

“It may not fix the problem but it creates a ripple effect.”

Ms Graham said the rental crisis was “really dangerous for young people in care”.

“No young person should have to leave the support of the child protection system and be put on the streets,” she said.

“Most young adults get the option to move back home to their families if they can’t pay increasing rent but young adults who age out of care don’t get that option.”