Beyond Youth Homelessness Podcast

Beyond Youth Homelessness - Shaun

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, we meet Shaun, who shares his lived experience of youth homelessness and the journey that followed. Through his story, we explore what happens when young people are misunderstood by the systems and people around them at the very time they need support the most. Shaun reflects on becoming homeless at 16, navigating complex family dynamics, and living with ADHD and ASD in environments that didn’t fully understand or respond to his needs. He speaks about feeling unseen and judged, and how this shaped his early experiences of homelessness. His story also highlights the turning points that came through connection, support, and community. Shaun shares how finding safety, belonging, and purpose helped him begin to move forward and rebuild his life. Shaun’s experience reminds us that youth homelessness is not a choice, and challenges us to consider how we can better listen, respond, and support young people facing adversity. Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=37WQR7CBSNEK6]

SPECIAL EPISODE Beyond Youth Homelessness - Community Member, Julie

This is a special edition episode of the Beyond Youth Homelessness Podcast as we participate in Youth Homelessness Matters Day for 2026, where Matt is joined by Julie, a member of our local community here in the Sutherland Shire. In this conversation, Julie shares her reflections on the reality of youth homelessness in our own backyard, and the shock and sadness that comes with understanding just how many young people are being turned away from support. Julie speaks to the role that everyday community members can play from starting conversations, to educating themselves and others, to using their voice in local forums to advocate for change. She reminds us that while the issue can feel overwhelming, meaningful action often starts small and that when we each contribute in our own way, real momentum can build. Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist. Make a pledge through the BEAR Project HERE [https://www.projectyouth.org.au/the-bear-project]  Donate to the work of Project Youth HERE [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=37WQR7CBSNEK6] Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=37WQR7CBSNEK6]

SPECIAL EPISODE Beyond Youth Homelessness - Real Estate, Matt

In this special Youth Homelessness Matters Day edition of the Beyond Youth Homelessness Podcast, host Matt sits down with local real estate agent and Project Youth board member Matt to explore the housing crisis from a different angle. From navigating the competitive rental market to confronting the reality that four in five young people are turned away from housing support, this conversation unpacks the gap between the private housing sector and youth homelessness services. Together, they reflect on how awareness becomes action—and the role real estate professionals, landlords, and the broader business community can play in being part of the solution. This episode highlights the power of education, connection, and using your sphere of influence—whether through advocacy, industry collaboration, or opening doors to housing opportunities. Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist. Make a pledge through the BEAR Project HERE [https://www.projectyouth.org.au/the-bear-project]  Donate to the work of Project Youth HERE [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=37WQR7CBSNEK6] Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=37WQR7CBSNEK6]

SPECIAL EPISODE Beyond Youth Homelessness - Council Mayor, Jack Boyd

In this special edition of the Beyond Youth Homelessness Podcast, recorded live on Youth Homelessness Matters Day, host Matt is joined by Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd to explore the role our community plays in ending youth homelessness. Together, they unpack the reality behind the statistics, the challenges within the housing system, and the practical ways local government, organisations, and individuals can contribute to change. From affordable housing and advocacy to prevention and community connection, this episode highlights that ending youth homelessness requires a collective effort. This is a conversation about moving from awareness to action and the part each of us can play in creating lasting change. Because real change happens when communities come together, when awareness turns into action, and action leads to impact. Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist. Make a pledge through the BEAR Project HERE [https://www.projectyouth.org.au/the-bear-project]  Donate to the work of Project Youth HERE [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=37WQR7CBSNEK6] Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=37WQR7CBSNEK6]

Beyond Youth Homelessness - Shirley

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, we meet Shirley, a member of Project Youth's YPAC team and a Director of the Board. Through her story we explore the gaps in systems that weren’t equipped to support her when she needed it most. Shirley shares her experience of homelessness across international borders — feeling excluded from one country and unsupported by another. She speaks about the frustration of not being heard or understood, not only in her experience of homelessness but also in her mental health, by family, teachers and services. Her story highlights that even when support systems exist, they don’t always know how to respond to the complexity of a young person’s reality. Shirley reflects on how her own understanding of homelessness evolved over time, reminding us that the conversation, and the learning, must continue if we are serious about ending youth homelessness. Her experience challenges us to consider who falls through the cracks, and why. It also calls for systems that are more responsive, compassionate and willing to truly listen. Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=37WQR7CBSNEK6]