TRANSCRIPT
For Tyler Addams growing up with housing insecurity meant his teenage years were defined by uncertainty.
"This constant feeling that the floor might fall out from under me like that everything could change at any given moment. There was no where for me to go, there was nothing for me to do - there was no one who could help me."
And a new analysis shows he's far from alone.
Around 38,000 young people aged 15-24 attended homelessness support services over the period examined.
But almost half of those impacted remained homeless, even after seeking help.
Kate Colvin of Homelessness Australia says the data shows a worrying trend.
"When they're at that cross roads - that's the time to make a difference. Young people's life opportunities are ruined by not getting the housing support they need at that critical time."
Behind the research are a coalition of support services.
Shorna Moore of the Melbourne City Mission financial insecurity, age and barriers like domestic violence make this cohort particularly vulnerable.
"They've just been living with so much fear and instability all their lives and they are just told time and time again that there is no housing for them."
New South Wales and Victoria recorded the highest numbers seeking help at more than 10,000 young people each.
This was followed by Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Over 30 per cent were from a First Nations background.
Jemal Ahmet of the Centre for Multicultural Youth says culturally-diverse communities are also disproportionately impacted.
"They're grossly over-represented in the figures, and under represented in access to services and supports that they need. What we then have is young people who may have huge potential not able to fully contribute and fully take part in society and that's a waste for all of us."
The Coalition has directed its concerns in a letter to the federal minister responsible.
They say young people are in need of more dedicated housing options and stronger interconnected services to assist them.
The Minister for Homelessness Julie Collins says the government has delivered ninety-two million dollars in assistance.
In a statement she said: "We will continue to work hard to ensure our ambitious housing reform agenda is working across the board with more help for renters, more help for homebuyers and more help for Australians needing a safe place for the night."
Tyler says a safe home offers young people not only a place to live.
But a chance to fulfil their potential.
"It just takes one person to change your entire trajectory. If you can interact with one child, one young person. You change everything for them and I think that's that's enough."
