Quantum Support Services has joined with more than 80 other organisations across Australia to support the Home Time campaign in a bid to fix our housing system for children and young people with nowhere to live.

Quantum Chief Executive Officer Natalie McDonald said Australia’s current housing system was structurally incapable of delivering enough safe homes and appropriate support for under 25 year-olds, with more funding needed to invest in dedicated tenancies for young people and linked support services.

“An estimated 1300 young people experience homelessness in Gippsland each night, but only 14 crisis beds, 30 transitional properties and no dedicated long term properties available, very few can get the full level of support that they need,” Ms McDonald said.

“Children and young people without a safe home are at serious risk of harm, including physical and sexual violence. Many are homeless in the first place due to family violence, abuse and neglect growing up.”

Ms McDonald said Home Time’s three asks of developing and maintain a national pool of 15,000 dedicated youth tenancies for 16-24 year olds; provide linked support services so young people can pursue their goals and transition to independence; and address the rental gap to ensure viability for housing providers and landlords offering tenancies to young people who have been homeless could unlock housing for children and young people.

Quantum General Manager – Youth and Housing Supports Mitch Burney joined the campaign.