Homes secured for hundreds of young people

Last published on 22 Feb 2021 

More than 500 young people who were at risk of homelessness have been supported into safe and secure housing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic with the support of a NSW Government rental assistance program.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said Rent Choice Youth was providing young people aged 18 to 24 years old with a home and the support they need to live independently.

“Secure housing is the foundation for young people to live happy and healthy lives, focusing on education, training and job opportunities,” Mr Ward said.

“Rent Choice Youth is the helping hand some young people need to maintain or access secure housing, helping prevent them from sleeping rough or couch surfing.”

The program includes access to tailored support to help tenants improve their health and general wellbeing, and provide a pathway to education, employment and housing independence.

The NSW Government invested $20 million in additional rental subsidy packages, including Rent Choice Youth and Rent Choice Start Safely, to help people at risk of homelessness to access, or remain in, the private rental market.

Since April 2020, more than 2,100 households have been supported by rental assistance packages across the state.

Minister Ward said the success of Rent Choice packages builds on the NSW Government’s work to prevent and respond to homelessness.

“Our Government is committed to halving street sleeping by 2025 and we’re working hard to achieve that goal,” Mr Ward said.

“Our landmark Together Home program is supporting hundreds of people previously sleeping rough across NSW, by providing secure housing and the wraparound support people need to break the cycle of homelessness.”

Anyone who is at risk of homelessness can contact Link2Home on 1800 152 152.