In the lead-up to Homelessness Week 2025, sector leaders Kath Snell (CEO of Shelter WA) and Michelle Jenkins (CEO of Youth Futures) are urging their peers to refocus attention on one of the state’s most pressing and preventable crises: youth homelessness.
Across Western Australia, increasing numbers of young people are living without safe, stable housing. The contributing factors are complex - family breakdown, domestic violence, exiting the care and youth justice system and a chronic shortage of affordable permanent housing. But the impact is painfully simple: more young lives disrupted, more futures placed at risk.
“Young people need housing security to thrive,” said Kath Snell. “It’s a basic human right, and without it, it becomes incredibly difficult to pursue education, employment or even maintain basic wellbeing.”
The data is telling, but so are the stories. Services are seeing a rise in unaccompanied minors seeking help, youth refuges are stretched beyond capacity and transitional housing options are scarce. For many young people, the journey into homelessness begins long before they’re counted, often hidden through couch surfing or staying in unsafe environments.
That’s why this year’s theme Homelessness Action Now is particularly relevant to youth homelessness. Sector leaders agree that the time has come to shift from reactive approaches to preventative, young person-centred systems that intervene early and provide wraparound supports long before a housing crisis occurs.
Michelle Jenkins emphasised the importance of rethinking how the sector engages with young people. “Too often, we design systems around what adults think is best. But young people with lived experience bring crucial insight. We need to embed their voices at every stage, from policy development to service delivery.”
That insight is at the heart of what’s driving Shelter WA’s co-design focus during Homelessness Week. Events will include forums on prevention, local government leadership and workshops led by people with lived experience, including young people who have navigated homelessness themselves.
“No single organisation can solve youth homelessness alone,” said Kath. “But when we bring government, community, service providers, and young people together in genuine partnership, we can build smarter, more sustainable solutions.”
Importantly, both Kath and Michelle acknowledged the emotional weight of working in this space. The sector is stretched and the challenges can be disheartening. But they also see momentum building, particularly as public awareness grows and governments begin to show stronger commitment to social and affordable housing.
“Every time we see a new youth housing initiative or a funding boost for the sector, it’s a reminder that change is possible,” said Michelle. “We need to keep pushing, to advocate, to listen and to collaborate.”
Youth homelessness is not inevitable. It is the result of systemic gaps, missed opportunities, and underinvestment. But it is also preventable if the sector acts together, with urgency and courage.
Homelessness Week 2025 runs from August 4–10. For more information on forums, workshops, and tickets, visit Homelessness Week 2025