Last week, staff from Pathfinders came together to support Youth Homelessness Matters Day, hosting a community awareness event in Armidale.
Staff from the Armidale Youth Refuge, along with team members from Specialist Homelessness Support Services in Inverell and Glen Innes, joined together to raise awareness about youth homelessness and connect with the local community. The event saw a strong turnout, with many community members stopping to learn more about the challenges young people face and how they can support those doing it tough.
Ahead of the day, Pathfinders CEO Alan Brennan highlighted the importance of raising awareness about youth homelessness across regional communities.
“Youth homelessness is not a distant issue – it is a daily reality driven by severe shortages in affordable housing, employment opportunities, and reliable transport,” Mr Brennan said. “These barriers trap young people in cycles of disadvantage.”
Across the New England and North West NSW, young people continue to face significant challenges in accessing safe and stable accommodation. Local data shows that many young people do not know where to turn for help, while limited housing options and transport barriers make it difficult to maintain education, employment, and stability.
The event attracted strong media interest, with coverage from NBN News and The Armidale Express, helping to shine a light on the realities of youth homelessness in the region.
A powerful highlight of the day was hearing from Jason, a young person supported by the Armidale Youth Refuge, who shared his lived experience of homelessness. After experiencing family breakdown at a young age, Jason found himself couch surfing before being connected with Pathfinders. Since entering the refuge, he has found stability, confidence, and renewed hope for his future, including plans to start his own car detailing business.
You can read more about Jason’s journey and the impact of the youth refuge support in the article published by The Armidale Express: Read Jason’s full story here: Armidale Express article
Community support plays a vital role in helping young people transition into safe and stable housing. Donations of clean, good-quality furniture and household items make a real difference, and we are truly grateful for the generosity of our community.
To make a donation, please contact Pathfinders Armidale Office:
215 Beardy Street, Armidale NSW
Phone: (02) 5775 9800
