The snapshot represents, on a given day in 2024, the reality faced by young people accessing Melbourne City Mission's homelessness programs and in particular their intersecting experiences of family violence, mental health, and persistent homelessness. Selected macro-economic data is included to create a better understanding of economic context and government spending across these three areas.

The snapshot is based on the first census of children and young people connected to Victoria’s only statewide youth homelessness service provider. This annual snapshot will support future decision-making and contribute towards a joined-up approach across government and the community sector to address the systemic, interdependent root causes of youth homelessness in Victoria. It records high rates of family violence, health emergencies, self-harm and suicide risk among 15-24 year-olds trying to survive alone with nowhere to live. 

A third of young people in this group first lost their homes aged 16 or younger, with many more remaining homeless for years with no end in sight. The census found that health, mental health, child protection and homelessness service systems are unable to connect vulnerable children and young people to safe housing, often discharging them back into homelessness.

Key findings

• Overrepresentation of First Nations and LBGTIQ+ identified young people.
• 4 in 5 grew up experiencing family violence prior to losing their home.
• 1 in 2 were known to child protection.
• 1 in 2 had been admitted to a hospital emergency department for mental health concerns.
• 2 in 3 had been discharged from hospital back into homelessness.
• 1 in 2 reported self-harm, suicidal ideation or suicide attempts.

Noting that census participants were all aged 15-24, the following findings on duration of homelessness were particularly concerning:

• 2 in 3 had been homeless for two years or longer
• 1 in 3 had been homeless for five years or longer
• 1 in 3 first lost their homes aged 16 or younger.