Vulnerable youth on crisis accommodation waitlist in Albany

Albany’s only youth refuge has a regular waitlist of vulnerable young people seeking crisis accommodation. Albany Youth Support Association is the key frontline service supporting young people aged 12-25 across the Great Southern. The organisation’s Young House refuge is open 24/7 to youth facing homelessness and other significant challenges. Last year, 50 young people found safety at Young House. This year, 35 young people have already called it their temporary home. Clients can stay for up to three months and can access the support to build their independence, connect with employers and education, and prepare to move back home where it is suitable to do so, or to find their own independent living arrangements. AYSA chief executive Ian Clarke said the refuge had a waitlist of 10-12 people all year round. “Young House remains pretty much full, year round,” he said. “There is currently a rental vacancy rate below one per cent, and while this situation or even slightly better remains, young single people will remain at the back of the line.” Mr Clarke said the organisation had a small number of transitional public housing units but there was a need for more individual accommodation for young people. “It is a continual frustration to youth organisations in general, consistently young single people miss out on the support they need to obtain housing,” he said. “Quite rightly families, couples and vulnerable people should be given support. “Unfortunately with all these other demands, many of our young people remain homeless and often living in unsafe environments. “This in turn leads to the justice system further complicating their life.” Mr Clarke said his more than four-decade career as a police officer highlighted how crucial early intervention was to build strong communities. “We must invest while people are young and we can make a genuine difference to their lives,” he said. “I do hear various people talk, ‘just get a roof over someone’s head’ as a solution, but our very long experience, from youth workers to police, will tell you, people need support to succeed where many have not had the benefits of a stable upbringing, providing all the general skills of life. “Early investment will provide long-term gain.” Mr Clarke said with the team helping nearly 400 young people so far this year from Albany to Broomehill-Tambellup, he would like to continue to strengthen the group’s support service out to satellite communities. The team’s colourful Sanford Road base is set to open as a youth drop-in centre in early October four days a week, with the team hoping to open the facility 16 hours a day into the evenings. It will be a safe space for young people during tough times to access support, explore their passions, build their resumes or use the kitchen and laundry facilities. “As many will know, people need help after hours, and we aim to help provide that support when we can find the funds,” Mr Clarke said. For help or to donate, visit aysa.org.au.