Young people at biggest risk of becoming homeless in Maroondah

Homelessness is increasing in the outer east, with young people particularly at risk. Being homeless as a teen may lead to life of social problems, including crime, drugs, prostitution or performing sexual favours, the chief executive of a support agency is warning.

Youth homelessness is on the rise in Maroondah. Picture: stock image.

Young people aged 11 to 25 are at the biggest risk of homelessness in Maroondah — and many don’t even realise when they are homeless.

Anchor chief executive Heidi Tucker said young people do not recognise couch surfing as a form of homelessness.

“They think because they’re not sleeping in a park they’re not homeless,” she said.

The activity is viewed as a temporary solution and a means of survival but can set people up for a life on the streets.

“By 15 years old people get a bit tired of them and that’s when they can become truly homeless,” Ms Tucker said.

The age demographic is considered a “low priority” compared to women and children fleeing violence.

Ms Tucker said it was vital to stop young people slipping through the cracks because teenage homelessness often led to life of social problems.

“It’s high risk for young people to get involved with crime, drugs, prostitution or performing

sexual favours,” Ms Tucker said.

“Those young years really do set up adults for a good life and if you don’t get that you can

very quickly hit 30 never having had secure housing.”

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Homelessness support group Holy Fools chief executive Neal Taylor said homelessness was on the rise.

“People can’t afford to rent places nowadays because they’re so expensive,” he said.

“It’s actually a really big rise but it’s one of those things that creeps up on society, we don’t

notice it happening.” He said the problem was so big it’s estimated there are more homeless people in the eastern suburbs than in the city, but many people were unaware because it’s less visible in the suburbs.

“It’s not like the city, we don’t have people begging,” Mr Taylor said.

A Homeward Bound walk will be held at Ringwood Lake on July 30 in the lead up to Homelessness Week between August 4 and 10.

Attendees can join others walking around the lake to learn about homelessness followed by a free barbecue.