In 2018, 302 young people presented to Warrnambool's Brophy's youth homelessness entry point.
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For these vulnerable people there is limited resources available to them as services are running at 300 per cent of their target.
Increases in family violence and competitive rental markets contribute to youth homelessness, according to Brophy's Youth Support Team manager Peter Hill.
"So far we're seeing a slight increase in our numbers from 2018 but we've always been running in high capacity," Mr Hill said.
"There's a serious lack of housing options available. And when we're able to help with private rentals the affordability and competition is immense.
"There's been an increase in young people escaping family violence and the higher percentage of these are females.
"A significant number of these young people find themselves residing in unstable and/or considerably over-crowded accommodation. These people have limited access to financial support and no rental history or references, making it very challenging for them to secure appropriate safe, stable accommodation."
When a young person presents at Brophy's youth homelessness entry point they are assessed and processed by access and engagement officers to understand their needs.
With the current homelessness climate seemingly staying stagnant, fears are rising for the future of these vulnerable youth.
From April to June 80 young people were assessed by Brophy, with their primary need being support for homelessness.
In July alone, 37 young mums or mums to be applied to access housing support.
With limited accommodation available, even though homelessness services are aware of their need, there is little that can be done to support these youth.
"A community response is needed," Mr Hill said.
"It's unrealistic to think we'll be given resources to fix the problem so we need the community to be more open about inclusion of our most vulnerable residents.
"Whatever more housing options looks like, we need it and we need support for people to maintain their housing once they receive it.
"We need to identify those at risk in schools and communities and we need to have options so they don't end up homeless."
The voice of youth homelessness
A current resident, who did not wish to be identified, said the facility was a haven away from the dark reality she faced.
"I had a really tough situation at home and I was sleeping on my best friend's couch when I started not turning up to school," the teenager said.
"My teacher asked me if there was anything happening at home. I said no because I thought I could handle it myself, I thought everything would go back to normal.
"When I explained my situation they called it homelessness but I didn't realise I was homeless before then.
"When I was told about Youth Foyer I pictured the worst but I was surprised how independent you are and how comfortable it is here."
Now I want to finish year 12 and then go on to get a degree
Foyer residents must complete a Certificate I in Developing Independence through South-West TAFE. There are opportunities and expectations in place for the residents aged 16-25 to complete programs to up-skill them for their future careers and life.
"It was a stressful and hard decision to make to come to Youth Foyer," the young woman said.
"I was making about $70 a week and I thought 'how can I do this, pay rent, pay my school fees and go to school all on my own?'
"But it's all worked out.
Having lived at the Foyer for just over a year, this young woman who once doubted her own abilities has found motivation, resilience and a sense of belonging.
"I hadn't put much thought into what I was going to do when I was older because I'd missed so much school and I thought what's the point?" she said.
"Now I want to finish year 12 and then go on to get a degree."
The game-changer
As one of only 11 facilities of its kind in the state, Foyer Warrnambool is a leader in the fight against youth homelessness.
Based on a French model developed after World War II the 16 self-contained fully-furnished units assist young people in completing their education, improve their chances of finding employment and to exit the welfare system said manager Jenny Hand.
"People come to us because there is some reason why they can't live at home. Sometimes these people have exited foster or out of home care and are looking for where to go but a lot of the time they are vulnerable due to family violence," she said.
"We don't focus on why they're here but where are they going"
The requirement for residents to complete their Certificate 1 in Developing Independence through South-West TAFE is one of the many opportunities available to up-skill these vulnerable people for their future careers and life.
"We want young people to feel prepared to live independently and we support them to build resilience," Ms Hand said.
"Residents are encouraged to volunteer in the community, participate in the L-P driving program and engage in workshops with real estate agents yo understand access and expectations or private rentals."
While Foyer Warrnambool has received plenty of positive feedback from past residents, Ms Hand admits the facility isn't for everyone and there are still problems for residents wanting to take their next steps.
"It's a shame we don't have more options for those people who don't suit this model," she said.
"Access to the private rental market is a big barrier. The market is so tight and there is still the stereotypes associated with people here."
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