Bundaberg Youth Refuge

The Salvation Army URL has changed to salvationarmy.org.au

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Youth homelessness is often invisible. Young people are the most common group to experience couch surfing. This means they are in temporary living situations with friends, relatives or even complete strangers. If you are experiencing homelessness – or are at risk of becoming homeless, we can help you find and sustain safe, suitable and affordable housing.

We welcome all people, regardless of race, gender, status, or sexual orientation. We understand that a safe space for growth is created when people feel believed in, valued, listened to and respected. Our centre provides a supportive environment where you're free to be you.

About Us

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS?

Homelessness can affect anyone. There are many reasons why young people may experience homelessness but, in most circumstances, this is outside of their control. Some reasons include:

  • Family breakdown
  • Experiences of family and domestic violence
  • Abuse
  • Neglect
  • Mental health issues
  • Drug and alcohol misuse
  • Long-term unemployment
  • Exiting state care
  • Intergenerational poverty
  • Shortage of affordable housing

WHAT WE DO

We provide a professional, responsive and flexible social welfare service for young people 16-24 years who are experiencing homelessness.

Young people have access to a stable and secure environment based on trust, respect and honesty in which they can develop a better understanding of their situation and work towards the improvement of their living conditions.

Whilst involved in our services, our organisation is committed to minimising risks of harm to young people through safe policies and practices.

Semi-independent Accommodation

We provide an external 24/7 supported accommodation service to young families between the ages of 18-24 in our self-contained units.

8 external 2 bedroom partly furnished units are located in two separate areas of Bundaberg and are used to accommodate young families.

Rental contributions via Centrepay or manual payment can be paid weekly or fortnightly on your allocated payday.

Rental contribution for the unit is 25% of fortnightly income, up to a maximum of $200 per week, per unit. This amount can either be deducted from your Centrelink payment and paid directly to The Salvation Army Youth Refuge, or paid in cash at The Salvation Army Youth Refuge.

Supports that includes:

  • Individual Case Management
  • Assistance in your search for secure, stable and sustainable longterm accommodation
  • Referrals to local community services, government agencies and non-government agencies
  • Referrals to other local Salvation Army services including:
    • The Salvation Army Church
    • TSA Youth Minister
    • TSA Doorways Caseworker
    • TSA Financial Counsellor
    • TSA Tom Quinn Community Centre

For most kids, home time is something to look forward to. For others, the end of the day means fear and uncertainty.

Every year, there are almost 40,000 children and young people who have nowhere to live across this country. Around 9,500 of them are 15-17 years old and thousands more lost their homes when they were children.

Current policies are creating lifetimes of disadvantage by failing vulnerable children and young people. It’s time to fix our housing system through policy change and dedicated investment.

We are calling on federal, state and territory governments to:

  1. Develop and maintain a national pool of 15,000 dedicated youth tenancies for 16-24 year olds.
  2. Provide linked support services to enable young people to pursue their individual goals and transition to full independence.
  3. Address the rental gap to ensure viability for housing providers and landlords offering tenancies to young people who

Take Action

Contact Us

Call our friendly and highly experienced staff 24/7 on: 

0411 214 432 or 0448 229 923 

Or email us at:  byr@salvationarmy.org.au

Call Back

For a call back, please send our team an SMS and a friendly staff member will get back to you as soon as they can.

Other National  and Local Local Support services

Click the links above to find other services that can help you with supports for your individual needs.

A more personalised list can be accessed via the Queensland Government Support services for young people site.

Interpreter Service

If you find it difficult to communicate in or understand English, our team will provide you with more information and support you to access an interpreter through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National). This is free of charge and you can request an interpreter whenever you feel you need one.
 
Phone 131 450

CONTACT US