Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) is Wednesday April 15.
It’s a national day that aims to raise awareness and public discussion about child and youth homelessness. It’s a day to start conversations about sustainable and innovative solutions to support the needs of young people experiencing homelessness.
In 2025, nearly every minute, a report of child abuse, neglect, or family violence was made in Australia. Every minute matters, because behind each report is a young person whose safety is at risk. For many, this is where the pathway into homelessness begins.
As housing instability and family violence continue to rise, Youth Homelessness Matters Day is a reminder that this crisis is ongoing and urgent.
Every minute matters in changing the trajectory of a young person’s life.
This Youth Homelessness Matters Day, we cannot look away.
Across Australia, children and young people are being forced out of home by abuse, neglect and family violence. In 2025, nearly every minute a report was made. For too many, the choice is immediate and unbearable: stay somewhere unsafe, or leave with nowhere to go.
Right now, more than 44,000 young Australians are experiencing homelessness, and that number is growing. Without urgent support, many will face ongoing trauma and disadvantage.
We cannot let that happen.
At Lighthouse, we know what’s possible when a young person is given safety, belonging and the chance to heal. But we can’t do this without you.
Today, your support is needed.
A gift of $15 on April 15 can help provide the support a young person needs in their most critical moment.
Every minute matters. Every young person matters.
With heart,
Susan Barton AM
Founder, Lighthouse Foundation
In Australia, youth homelessness is a pressing issue, with over 45,000 babies, children and young people are without a safe home on any given night.
Your ongoing donation makes a difference.
Giving $15Provides a toiletry pack full of essential items including sanitary and dental products
Giving $30Can provide fresh groceries to make nutritious, comforting meals in our homes.
Giving $50Contribute to the cost of group therapy to help our young people process the trauma of homelessness
Lighthouse Foundation is also a deductible gift recipient (DGR). The minimum tax-deductible donation amount to Lighthouse Foundation is $5.
Your personal data will be used to process your donation, support your experience throughout this website, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.
Lighthouse Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and empowering young people experiencing homelessness in Australia. We provide safe homes, essential services, and comprehensive support programs to help vulnerable youth rebuild their lives.
Youth homelessness refers to the condition in which young people lack stable and safe accommodation. This can include sleeping rough, couch-surfing, or staying in temporary shelters. Homelessness among youth can result from various factors, including family breakdown, domestic violence, mental health issues, and financial instability.
Youth homelessness can have profound and lasting effects on individuals’ physical health, mental well-being, education, employment prospects, and overall quality of life.
Without adequate support, homeless youth may face increased risks of substance abuse, exploitation, mental illness, and involvement in criminal activities.
Youth homelessness remains a significant social issue in Australia.
According to the latest Census data, 44,000 young Australians experience homelessness on any given night. Factors such as housing affordability, family conflict, and insufficient support services contribute to this ongoing challenge.
Lighthouse offers a range of services aimed at addressing the complex needs of homeless youth.
These include safe housing, mental health support, education and employment assistance, life skills training, and access to healthcare.
The Lighthouse Model of Care focuses on empowering young people to overcome barriers and achieve independence.
There are several ways to support Lighthouse and our efforts to end youth homelessness.
You can make a donation to fund our programs and services, volunteer your time and skills, advocate for policy changes that address the underlying causes of homelessness, or participate in fundraising events and campaigns.
Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in need.
Lighthouse Foundation acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Victoria where our services are located and pay our respects to ancestors and Elders past and present. Lighthouse Foundation is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to our society.
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