How much do you know about youth homelessness in Australia?

Society’s understanding of homelessness is surrounded by myths and misconceptions, and young people’s experiences are often overlooked.

Rates of homelessness among Australians aged 12-24 are increasing, with many young people finding shelter on couches and in cars and overcrowded houses.

This Youth Homelessness Matters Day, it’s more important than ever to understand the reality of the problem that young people in our community are facing.

Test your knowledge of youth homelessness by taking our quiz below.

Results

#1. How many young people were reported to be homeless last year in Australia?

4,000

4,000

12,500

12,500

27,250

27,250

39,300

39,300

#2. What is the main reason that young people are forced into homelessness?

Mental ill-health

Mental ill-health

Domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence

Severe overcrowding/housing crisis

Severe overcrowding/housing crisis

Intergenerational poverty

Intergenerational poverty

#3. What percentage of homeless young people are experiencing mental health issues?

13%

13%

36%

36%

48%

48%

63%

63%

#4. Alex has been sleeping in her car for three nights. Why will it be difficult for Alex to find employment?

She does not have a permanent address

She does not have a permanent address

She is struggling to maintain her hygiene

She is struggling to maintain her hygiene

She could be stigmatised for being homeless

She could be stigmatised for being homeless

All of the above

All of the above

#5. The majority of homeless young people are sleeping rough.

True

True

False

False

#6. How much money does youth homelessness cost Australia’s youth justice and health sectors every year?

$24 million

$24 million

$161 million

$161 million

$418 million

$418 million

$626 million

$626 million

#7. What is the fastest growing cause of homelessness in Australia?

Relationship/family breakdown

Relationship/family breakdown

The housing crisis

The housing crisis

Transition from custody agreement

Transition from custody agreement

Alcohol or substance misuse

Alcohol or substance misuse

#8. Harley is couch surfing at a house that belongs to her friend, Mike. What are some of the dangers associated with Harley’s situation?

A high risk of sexual exploitation

A high risk of sexual exploitation

A likelihood of eviction

A likelihood of eviction

A lack of comfort and security

A lack of comfort and security

All of the above

All of the above

Finish

Learn more about youth homelessness in Australia, and help us call on the Federal Government to develop a National Child and Youth Homelessness and Housing Strategy by signing the petition today.