Youth Homelessness Advisory Council

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Youth Homelessness Advisory Council

The Youth Homelessness Advisory Council (YHAC) is a WA youth-led advocacy group for young people with lived experience of homelessness.

30/06/2026

Last week, YHAC Lived Experience Facilitator and Advocate Kaya had the privilege of speaking at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout as the keynote speaker with lived experience, before joining a panel discussion alongside sector leaders and CEOs.

Kaya shared her experiences of youth homelessness, the importance of embedding lived experience in decision-making, and why young people’s voices must be at the centre of solutions.

Kaya’s reflection:

“The CEO Sleepout meant a great deal to me because it gave me the opportunity to ensure that the voices of young people with lived experience of homelessness were heard in a room full of people who are in positions to influence change.

As the keynote speaker with lived experience and as a panellist alongside the CEOs of YACWA and Vinnies, as well as leaders from homelessness services, I had the chance to share my story from a perspective that is often missing from these conversations. It was incredibly meaningful to be treated as an equal voice at the table.

Sharing my experience wasn’t just about telling my own story. It was about showing that what I went through isn’t unique. Too many young people experience homelessness, and their stories deserve to be heard. I wanted to help people understand that behind every statistic is a real person with hopes, strengths, and potential.

For me, the CEO Sleepout was about making sure lived experience is valued, challenging misconceptions about youth homelessness, and advocating for solutions that are informed by the people who have lived through it. I hope my story encouraged people to see the importance of listening to young people and working alongside us to create lasting change.”

Thank you to Vinnies WA for creating space for lived experience to shape the conversation. Real change happens when young people aren’t just included, they’re listened to.

We are endlessly proud of Kaya for representing YHAC and using her voice to create change for young people. Thank you, Kaya, for your advocacy, your courage and your commitment to helping others.

27/05/2026

We’re ALL IN for reconciliation, this week and every day of the year.

The theme for is All In, a reminder that reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility.

At YHAC, we recognise that meaningful reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires collective action, listening, accountability and commitment from all Australians.

We acknowledge our responsibility to actively seek out, listen to and elevate the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout our advocacy work. We recognise the strength, knowledge and leadership that Indigenous communities, particularly young people, bring to advocacy spaces and social change efforts.

At the Youth Homelessness Advisory Council, we also acknowledge the ongoing and disproportionate impact that housing insecurity and homelessness has on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. This inequity cannot continue.

YHAC is proud to stand in support of National Reconciliation Week and remains committed to embedding reconciliation into the work we do, and the advocacy we lead.

17/05/2026

Today is IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against LGBTIQA+ Discrimination.

At YHAC, we celebrate LGBTIQA+ young people and the strength, joy, and diversity they bring to our communities.

Q***r young people deserve to be valued and supported in every space they are part of.

We also recognise that too many LGBTIQA+ young people experience homelessness and housing insecurity. Everyone deserves access to safe and stable housing, and support that affirms who they are without exception.

Care must be for everyone. It must be safe, inclusive, and grounded in dignity and respect.

On and every day, we stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ young people and remain committed to advocating for systems where all young people feel safe, supported and encouraged to thrive.

15/05/2026

✨ Service Spotlight - PICY’S ✨

Perth Inner City Youth Service (lovingly known as PICY’S) is an organisation servicing people over the age of 12 who are experiencing homelessness, providing:

✅ Emergency relief to young people

✅Trauma informed and person-centred case management and advocacy

✅ a low barrier service that helps young people with complex needs, with no requirement for identification

✅ Youth friendly support that meets children and young people where they are at

✅ Accomodation Support

You can access PICY’S by calling them or visiting the drop-in camp during opening hours.

How to get in touch:
📲 (08) 9388 2791
📍22 Blencowe St, West Leederville, WA, 6007

Our Service Spotlights share local services, recommended by YHAC, that support young people experiencing homelessness. Save this post to share with someone who may find this helpful, or comment below a service you’d like to see featured 💜

14/04/2026

Part 3 | Why young people disengage from services

Disengagement isn’t about not wanting help,
it’s often about not feeling safe enough to stay.

For many young people, services can feel overwhelming, judgmental, or not built for their needs.
When trust is broken or voices aren’t heard, walking away can feel like the only option.

Through this series, YHAC is sharing real stories to highlight what needs to change.

If we want better outcomes, we need to listen.
To adapt.
To create spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and safe enough to stay.

This Youth Week, we celebrate young people
and stand alongside those still fighting for safety and security.

📝 sign the petition
💰donate to change the reality of children and young people experiencing homelessness

🔗 Visit the link for more information and to take action!! YHMD.org.au

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13/04/2026

Youth Week!!

PART 2: What makes a youth service feel safe?

Today we’re spotlighting what safety really means in youth services to young people, not just policies, but the everyday moments that help young people feel seen, respected, and in control.

As we head toward Youth Homelessness Matters Day, we’re amplifying the voices and experiences that show why safe, youth centred spaces aren’t optional, they’re essential!

We stand together to say that youth homelessness is preventable, and young people’s voices matter.

📝 sign the petition
💰donate to change the reality of children and young people experiencing homelessness

🔗 Visit the link for more information and to take action!! YHMD.org.au

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12/04/2026

PART 1!!! END YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

Youth Week is a time to celebrate the strength, creativity, and potential of young people,
but it is also a time to acknowledge the realities many are facing.

In Western Australia, around 830 young people present alone to homelessness services each day, with many more unable to access the support they need.

Behind these statistics are real lives,
young people navigating instability, couch surfing, or facing the uncertainty of not having a safe place to sleep.

In the coming days, will be sharing a series of real stories that reflect the lived experiences of young people within youth services. These stories aim to elevate youth voices and build greater understanding of the realities young people face.

Every young person deserves stability, support, and a place to call home.

This Youth Week, we celebrate young people
and stand alongside those still fighting for safety and security.

📝 sign the petition!
💰donate to change the reality of children and young people experiencing homelessness

🔗 Visit the link for more information and to take action!! YHMD.org.au

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25/02/2026

On Thursday the 19th of February,
YHAC members were invited to Albert Facey House by to attend a meeting with members of the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Comissioners, Guardians and Advocates, alongside other youth advocates from a range of organisations.

During the meeting, we discussed the challenges young people are facing today, including the ongoing housing crisis and the limitations within existing services. It was a valuable opportunity to share lived experiences and contribute to conversations focused on systemic change.

YHAC is grateful for the opportunity to be part of an ongoing conversation that recognises and values the perspectives of young people, and we look forward to ensuring that the voices, needs and demands of young people continue to inform policy and decision making.

24/02/2026

✨ Service Spotlight - HHC ✨

is a healthcare organisation servicing people over the age of 12 who are experiencing homelessness, providing:

✅ Inclusive, patient-centred care that allows
each person to be involved in their recovery and supports independent decision making

✅Free Healthcare, advocacy and case management that aligns with the needs of the individual person

✅ No requirement to be carrying photo identification, a Medicare card or any form of documentation

✅ Youth friendly support that meets children and young people where they are at

You can access Homeless Healthcare by calling The Hub directly 🤳 or visiting the drop-in centre at Passages during clinic hours

How to get in touch:
📲 (08) 6260 2092
📍Vinnie’s WA Passages Engagement Hub, 143 Edward Street, Perth WA 6000

Our Service Spotlights share local services, recommended by YHAC, that support young people experiencing homelessness. Save this post to share with someone who may find this helpful, or comment below a service you’d like to see featured 💜

Address

Perth, WA

Website

https://linktr.ee/yhac

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