In light of Homelessness Week from August 5 - 11, The Salvation Army has released an alarming statistic that shows 45,850 children and young people will experience homelessness in Australia on any given night. 

The growing issue of homelessness impacts some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. Young people are particularly vulnerable to several issues such as housing breakdown, violence in the home, poverty and leaving school early.

As the largest providers of homelessness services in Australia, Salvos works to support those who experience homelessness and advocates for fair and equitable access to housing, from immediate crisis accommodation to long-term solutions. 

The Salvation Army’s youth services runs 10 crisis refuges across the country to help support more than 4500 young people each year. 

The General Manager for Youth Services at The Salvation Army says, “Children and young people should have the freedom and opportunity to grow up in safe environments” 

Recently, more than 300 schools across Australia formed the number 45,850 on their school ovals to help raise awareness for the issue. The study also revealed a 5 percent increase in people who were assisted with homelessness between January and April 2024, with a significant rise in youth- related issues. 

Find out how you can help here or call 13 SALVOS