When we think of the festive season, we picture food, family, warmth, and love. But for many young people, this time of year looks very different.
Across Victoria, over 7,600 young people aged 12–24 are currently facing homelessness. Instead of comfort and celebration, many will experience anxiety, instability, and the harsh reality of not knowing where they will sleep at night.
Jacinta understood this reality far too well. When her grandfather — the person who had cared for her most, fell seriously ill, she was left without support, without safety, and without a place to call home. Her fear and uncertainty only settled when she entered Lighthouse Foundation’s Transitional Program. Today, thanks to ongoing support through On For Life, Jacinta is thriving and working toward a future she once thought was impossible.
Understanding the Youth Homelessness Crisis in Victoria
Youth homelessness refers to young people aged 12 to 24 who are living independently of parents or guardians but lack stable, safe, and secure accommodation — or the immediate prospect of it.
The scale of the crisis is confronting. In a recent national study of more than 19,500 young people aged 15–19:
- 1 in 10 had experienced homelessness in the last year, and
- over 38,000 sought help from homelessness services.
These numbers are driven by a complex combination of social, emotional, and economic pressures. The core contributors include:
- Family breakdown and domestic or family violence
- Economic hardship and a severe shortage of affordable housing
- Mental health challenges without adequate support systems
At Lighthouse Foundation, we work to address these intersecting challenges through our Lighthouse Model of Care (LMC) — a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach designed specifically for young people who have experienced homelessness and adversity.
The LMC integrates trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, and contemporary psychoanalytic thinking to create a safe, nurturing environment. In this setting, young people in our homes can rebuild their health, stabilise their emotions, and develop the social and practical skills they need to move forward.
(For a deeper exploration of these drivers, you can read our recent blog on youth homelessness in Victoria.)
Jacinta’s Story: When Life Took an Unexpected Turn
At just 16, Jacinta was on the edge of homelessness. Her grandfather, her main source of love, stability, and connection, became too unwell to care for her. Within weeks, her world unravelled.
She spent a short time in emergency accommodation, but every night carried the same fear: Where will I go next? How long will this place be available? What happens when time runs out?
As her temporary stay neared its end, her anxiety grew.
“I remember feeling completely lost. I didn’t think anyone could help me,” Jacinta recalls.
Finding Stability Through Lighthouse’s Transitional Program
Jacinta’s situation changed when she was referred to Lighthouse Foundation’s Transitional Program. For the first time in a long time, she felt seen, supported, and safe.
Our Transitional Program assists young people aged up to 25 who are experiencing homelessness to build the skills and confidence needed for independent living. With the guidance of our Therapeutic Care Team and clinicians, Jacinta learned practical life skills like cooking, budgeting, and maintaining a home, while also receiving the emotional support she needed to rebuild trust and stability.
Slowly, the chaos of her past was replaced with structure, routine, and the comfort of knowing she was no longer alone.
On For Life Program: Support That Doesn’t End When a Young Person Leaves Care
For Jacinta and for so many young people, the turning point was the continuing support offered through On For Life.
This program ensures that when a young person transitions out of a Lighthouse home, they are not left to navigate adulthood unsupported. Through:
- Therapeutic case management,
- Emotional and practical support, and
- A safe community they can return to,
On For Life provides stability long after formal care ends. Young people can access this support whenever they need it, for as long as they need it.
“Having that connection means I never feel alone,” Jacinta says.
“I know there’s always someone I can call—someone who’ll listen and guide me when things get tough.”
A New Chapter: Independence, Purpose, and Belonging
Today, Jacinta is living independently and flourishing. She is studying to become a paramedic, reunited with her beloved dog Charlotte, and has created a home filled with safety, warmth, and hope.
Bringing Charlotte home again felt to Jacinta like “closing the circle” — a symbol of her healing, resilience, and the stability she has built through Lighthouse’s ongoing care.
Her story is a powerful reminder that long-term support transforms lives. Healing is not linear; it takes time, patience, and a community that refuses to give up.
How Your Festive Gift Changes Lives Like Jacinta’s
Your donation this festive season can:
- Fund ongoing support through On For Life, reducing the risk of young people returning to homelessness.
- Help young people transition safely into independence, with essential items that make their home safe and calm.
- Provide therapeutic case management, giving young people the tools to navigate challenges and rebuild their future.
Even a small contribution can make a lasting impact.
How to Support Lighthouse Foundation This Festive Season
There are many meaningful ways to help:
- Make a one-off donation to support young people like Jacinta.
- Become a Lighthouse Keeper, providing vital monthly support.
- Encourage your workplace to join our workplace giving program.
- Share Jacinta’s story on social media to raise awareness.
- Start conversations with friends and family about youth homelessness and Lighthouse’s work.
Every action, large or small, helps create lasting change.
Hope Begins With Community
Our On For Life program is the first of its kind in Victoria. It is essential to our Model of Care and ensures our young people know they are held, supported, and never alone, even long after they leave our homes.
Healing has its ebbs and flows. While it rarely follows a straight line, our commitment remains constant: we walk beside our young people for life.
You can help ensure that more young people have the chance to feel safe, supported, and empowered on their journey to independence.
