As Australia’s homelessness crisis intensifies, Anchor is calling on the community to extend support to children and young people experiencing homelessness, especially during the festive season.

During a time that should be filled with joy and spent with family, homeless young Australians will face profound isolation, shame, and disconnection.

Anchor CEO, Heidi Tucker highlighted the unique hardships young people experiencing homelessness face over the holiday period:

“Homelessness doesn’t take a holiday at Christmas,” said Ms. Tucker. “This season, many young people will be spending Christmas in tents, boarding houses, motels, and even on the streets.”

“Many other children and young people won’t have the opportunity to spend time with the ones they love at Christmas as they are reside in state care. While our amazing carers and staff make Christmas warm and inviting, often they cannot replace the family these children and young people don’t see.”

This year, homelessness services saw a notable rise in demand, especially from young women aged 15-17, indicating a growing crisis.

“Christmas is especially hard for young people in these situations,” Ms. Tucker added. “They’re painfully aware of how different their lives are compared to their friends and peers. There’s no talk of holiday plans or gifts to look forward to, which can bring feelings of shame and make them want to withdraw.”

Ms. Tucker emphasised that the community has a powerful role to play in brightening the holiday season for these young people. “Even though many may have outgrown a belief in Santa, community support can inspire the kind of Christmas magic that changes lives—through donations that bring comfort, stability, and hope.”

“Knowing that there are warm and generous people in the community can be life changing. That is what is important to us – making sure that people experiencing homelessness don’t feel so alone.”

The Alarming Reality: Youth Homelessness in Australia

According to the latest homelessness data for 2022-23*, of the 273,000 people who accessed homelessness services across Australia, 76,000—or nearly 30%—were under the age of 18. Distressingly, the highest rate of support requests came from those aged 15-17, with young women representing a significant portion.

Anchor’s 2024 Christmas Fundraising Drive

Anchor’s Christmas campaign features the story of Ommy, a young woman who has overcome the trauma and barriers she experienced in homelessness, to now be thriving and embracing a bright future.

“I left my home because of fighting… it felt safer for me to be away from there at the time.”

“I was homeless in the city. Most of the time I wouldn’t have somewhere to go. I spent nights in the toilets at Crown and places like that.”

Having found support through Anchor’s youth homelessness services, Ommy has been able to find safe and stable accommodation and be supported by workers who help build her independence, living skills and connections to community.

“I have amazing support. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Anchor has changed my life and helped me achieve my goals and dreams.”

With around 28,000** young people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Australia, the Anchor Christmas campaign is a vital reminder of the support needed from our community, and the life-changing impact it can have on individuals like Ommy.

Donating to Anchor this Christmas means providing young people with a safe, stable home, and the chance to follow their dreams.

You can view the full campaign video at https://anchor.org.au/christmas-appeal-2024/