Homeless Melbourne children numbers rise 40 per cent in two years

MORE than 13,000 Victorian children under the age of nine were homeless last year, a 40 per cent rise in just two years, latest figures show.

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MORE than 13,000 Victorian children under the age of nine were homeless last year.

The figure has skyrocketed by more than 40 per cent in just two years — an extra 4000 homeless young children.

“They’re horrifying stats,” Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Jenny Smith said. “Children are the most innocent victims of the homelessness epidemic.”

A “perfect storm” of rising rent, family break down and job instability is being blamed for the increase as young children become caught in the crosshairs.

The number of homeless Victorian children under the age of nine increased from 9027 to 13,019 kids between the 2013 and 2015 financial years, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures.

Among them was three-year-old Riley, born into homelessness to his mother Hayley, 24, who was escaping family violence.

“It almost takes away from you being a parent in a way,” said the young mum, who experienced homelessness from 14 years old.

“You’re still there for your child but it’s just added pressure and stress that you don’t need.”

Hayley, 24, and her three-year-old son, Riley, were homeless for the first year of his life. Picture: Tony Gough

When Riley was eight-weeks-old, he and Hayley were granted transitional housing then given a permanent place to stay after eight months.

Said she feels “really lucky” to be granted public housing.

“I know people who have couch surfed with their kids for two years,” she said.

“It’s given me the ability to make something of myself and give (Riley) stability, most importantly.”

Some people turning to the Council to Homeless Persons have been knocked back from up to 50 rental applications.

“Services are struggling to find them even a refuge bed for the night, let alone get them into social housing,” Ms Smith said.

Despite the increasing demand, homelessness services fear a severe funding cut.

Hayley, 24, and her three-year-old son, Riley, were homeless for the first year of his life. Picture: Tony Gough

The Federal Government has not committed to extending its funding of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness at $23 million a year and matched by the Victorian Government.

More than 150 chief executives of welfare agencies will sign an open letter to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull this week, urging the government to commit to the funding.

Overall, more than 100,000 Victorians of all ages were homeless last year.

VICTORIAN KIDS WITHOUT A HOME

Aged up to nine years old

2013: 9027

2014: 11,846

2015: 13,019

Two-year change: +44%

Aged 10 to 14 years

2013: 3265

2014: 4300

2015: 4885

Two-year change: +50%

*Financial years figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures compiled by Council to Homeless Persons

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