More than 60 young people who were at risk of homelessness on the Central Coast have been supported into safe and secure housing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said a NSW Government rental assistance program, Rent Choice Youth, had provided 63 young people aged 18 to 24 years old with a home and the support they need to live independently.
“Housing is the foundation for young people to have happy and healthy lives,” Mr Crouch said.
“Rent Choice Youth consists of rental subsidies, tailored support to help tenants improve their health and general wellbeing, and provide a pathway to education, employment and housing independence.
“The program helps people at risk of homelessness to access, or remain in, the private rental market.”
Across NSW, more than 500 young people have benefitted from Rent Choice Youth since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the success of Rent Choice Youth 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 also 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.