Did you know?
More than 1 in 57 females in the 15 – 19 age group in Australia is homeless?
And with the added financial pressures, the number is continuing to rise.

Othila’s – which helps young women -- had 600 requests for accommodation assistance from young women last year: it was able to respond to 18. (We hope this will improve with SCP assistance.)

Despite the good intentions of the Rudd Government and the obvious commitment that has been made to alleviate the many problems of homelessness, the system is still struggling to cope under today’s increased pressure. Many dedicated people working in the sector know that they could make a difference – but they just don't have the resources to do so.

There aren't enough services to be proactive, and to prevent women from entering the cycle of homelessness where it becomes increasingly difficult, and more expensive, to provide pathways back to a dignified life.
For example, there are numerous women who come to the door of hostels/ refuges seeking shelter – when there simply isn't a bed: they must be turned away. As well as 'shutting the door' on a woman in such dire need, this necessary decision takes an awful toll on the hostel staff.