From homelessness to housing – helping youth turn their lives around
- deansimpson7
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
National Youth Week in Australia in 2025 is being held from 9-17 April with the theme ‘We are the future, and the future is now!’ Today (16 April) is Youth Homelessness Matters Day.
BY ANTHONY CASTLE
Burlendi, The Salvation Army’s Youth Accommodation in Adelaide, has seen young people with experiences of homelessness achieving major milestones.
These milestones include completing high school, gaining employment and securing stable housing.
As part of the Adelaide North-West Homelessness Alliance, Burlendi offers accommodation and therapeutic support for young people aged 15-17 experiencing homelessness.
It provides a safe, nurturing environment where young people can regain stability through personalised support and transitional pathways. Young people presenting have experienced issues such as family breakdown, family and domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse or mental health issues.
In 2024, 24 young people called Burlendi home, with 16 of last year’s residents already transitioning from the service. Burlendi isn’t just about housing but focuses on fostering a young person’s interpersonal skills through capacity and confidence building, allowing them to test independent living skills in a supported environment.
“Over the last 12 months, Burlendi has had the privilege of supporting some phenomenal young people who have achieved some amazing outcomes,” says Paul Mundy, Burlendi Team Leader.
Australia is in the midst of a housing crisis with a critical shortfall in the provision of secure accommodation for young people.
The Salvation Army launched Burlendi in 1984 to address youth homelessness in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, providing 24/7 support to help young people develop the life skills needed for adulthood.
“It is such a privilege and joy to support these young people and staff team who are passionate about young people achieving all that they can be and more.”
Experiencing homelessness at a young age leaves individuals particularly vulnerable due to their developmental stage and lack of natural supports. They face heightened risks of exploitation, educational disruption, mental health challenges and social discrimination.
“Young people have been provided with a period of stability post-conflict with family and experiences of homelessness,” says Paul. “This has given them the chance to re-engage with education, with five of these young people taking this opportunity and completing Year 12 with some amazing results.”
Outcomes achieved for young people at Burlendi last year included four young people successfully reunifying with family, with a further 10 in the 18 months prior. Nine young people successfully obtained housing outcomes, including private rentals, supported housing, and transitional housing. Five young people graduated Year 12, all of whom have commenced university this year, whilst nine maintained education commitments and 14 gained and/or maintained employment.
“One of our focuses has been reunifying young people with family and, where possible, young people returning home.”
“Youth workers have played a pivotal role in the day-to-day support for young people in supporting their attendance, homework, and the stressors of education,” Paul says. “It has been a great joy for the team to now start seeing some of these young people begin university or work towards tertiary education pathways.”
Burlendi has helped young people achieve these outcomes through holistic assessments and care plans, including young people setting aspirational goals. Burlendi also has a family-focused approach, paying attention to repairing and restoring family relationships where they are safe and appropriate.
“One of our focuses has been reunifying young people with family and, where possible, young people returning home,” Paul says. “We have been successful in this area, and it’s something that we will continue to strive for and take pride in. It has been amazing to see all young people who had graduation ceremonies have family in attendance.”
With nine young people currently at Burlendi, the team will continue to offer a supportive environment in which they can stabilise and begin to thrive.
“The team have been instrumental in supporting these outcomes,” Paul says. “It is such a privilege and joy to support these young people and staff team who are passionate about young people achieving all that they can be and more.”
