Improving Young People’s Access to Social Housing in the ACT

Housing for Young People Program (HYPP) was implemented in recognition that young people have difficulty securing long-term accommodation and are particularly affected by the lack of access to available affordable housing. Nationally, young people experience the highest rates of housing stress, are more likely to face discrimination, have greater risk of becoming homeless and have lower incomes. Youth Allowance, Austudy, apprentice wages and youth wages are considerably lower than ‘adult’ equivalents.

The program is open to young people aged from 16 to 25 who are transitioning from Community and Youth Justice, Care and Protection and Homelessness Services.

HYPP works with young people up until age 25 or until they identify that they no longer require the support of the program. At that time they will be transitioned into the care of an area Housing Manager.

The program has two designated Youth Housing Managers who work with eligible young people entering social housing in the ACT. The Youth Housing Managers work with eligible young people to support them to navigate through the Housing Application process and on to a tenancy. This means that young people in HYPP will have one person who will work with them throughout their entire dealings with Housing ACT and ensure an integrated and consistent step down support approach.

A consistent approach will assist young people to sustain their tenancy and increase their engagement in the community and with educational opportunities.

HYPP provides wrap around support from application through to tenancy utilising a key worker model within an integrated case management approach. HYPP assists young people to maintain their Housing ACT tenancy by providing them with access to relevant information, referrals and advocacy, whist providing them with flexible and non-judgemental individual support.

Referrals
HYPP accepts referrals from Community and Youth Justice Services, Juvenile Justice Services, Care and Protection, Community Based Homelessness Services (including Semi Independent and Transitional Accommodation and Drug and/or Alcohol Detox/Rehabilitation) and Community Based Youth Services who may work with young people involved with any of the above services.

You can contact Housing ACT’s Gateway Services or the Youth Housing Managers directly for more information.

HYPP is located in the Community Services Directorate (CSD), Gateway Services in Nature Conservation House on the Corner of Emu Bank Road and Benjamin Way in Belconnen.

To make an appointment contact Housing ACT Gateway Services or alternatively contact the Youth Housing Managers directly by telephone or email. Contact details.

Alternatives To Belconnen and the Shopfront
HYPP can provide drop in appointments at the following Youth or Community Centres:

* Gugan Gulwan
* Gungahlin Child and Family Centre
* Winnunga Nimmityjah

HYPP also provides outreach support for young people accessing the program. This means that young people in HYPP usually won’t have to come into the Client Service Centre if they don’t want to (some exceptions may apply).

Contact Us
CSD General Enquiries 13 3427
Housing ACT Gateway Services (02) 6207 1150
Housing ACT Maintenance (02) 6207 1500
Youth Housing Manager (02) 6205 7386 | (02) 6205 0313 | (02) 6205 5204