New partnership to drive community conversations on youth homelessness and housing

A new partnership between housing advocates, an innovative social enterprise, and young people who have experienced homelessness was launched in Melbourne today. 

The Home Time Youth Housing Coalition will work with For Change Co. to engage the Australian community around youth homelessness and the steps required to fix housing for young people in Australia.

For Change Co. is a Melbourne-based social enterprise that tackles youth homelessness by empowering young people through employment, training, and community engagement.

Over the past five years, it has empowered over 140 young people to break the cycle of homelessness for good by providing paid training and employment.

The partnership with Home Time will create opportunities for young people with lived experience of homelessness to advocate with the community and decision makers for systemic change in key areas, including the creation of dedicated youth tenancies, provision of support services, and social services reform to unlock access to social housing.

The partnership will be officially launched at the For Change Cafe in Middle Park by Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness Josh Burns MP alongside youth advocates and representatives from the homelessness, housing and social enterprise sectors.

Home Time and Melbourne City Mission Spokesperson, Shorna Moore, said that Home Time was trying to deliver fundamental reform to create a youth housing system that would get children and young people into safe and stable homes without prolonged trauma and harm. 

“Home Time has over 170 supporter organisations who are united in our work to fix housing for young people across Australia. We continue to advocate based on strong evidence and the voices of young people themselves, but we also recognise the need to build broader community understanding and support. Partnerships like this one with For Change Co. will help drive the conversations that create lasting policy change.”

For Change Co. CEO, Miranda Campbell, said this partnership would complement the skills and training programs being run across Melbourne.

“Over five years, we've provided over half a million dollars in employment, training, and support. And in return, these young people have enriched our cafes, our teams, and our broader community with their resilience, talent, and skills.”

“Like everyone in this room, we are committed to eliminating youth homelessness. We know we play just one part in a complex system, which is why we collaborate closely with others who share this mission. We’re proud to partner with Home Time, and passionately support their plan to fix housing for young people in Australia.”