As Australia’s homelessness crisis intensifies, Anchor is calling on the community to extend support to children and young people experiencing homelessness, especially during the festive season.

During a time that should be filled with joy and spent with family, homeless young Australians will face profound isolation, shame, and disconnection.

Anchor CEO, Heidi Tucker highlighted the unique hardships young people experiencing homelessness face over the holiday period:

“Homelessness doesn’t take a holiday at Christmas,” said Ms. Tucker. “This season, many young people will be spending Christmas in tents, boarding houses, motels, and even on the streets.”

“Many other children and young people won’t have the opportunity to spend time with the ones they love at Christmas as they are reside in state care. While our amazing carers and staff make Christmas warm and inviting, often they cannot replace the family these children and young people don’t see.”

This year, homelessness services saw a notable rise in demand, especially from young women aged 15-17, indicating a growing crisis.

“Christmas is especially hard for young people in these situations,” Ms. Tucker added. “They’re painfully aware of how different their lives are compared to their friends and peers. There’s no talk of holiday plans or gifts to look forward to, which can bring feelings of shame and make them want to withdraw.”

Ms. Tucker emphasised that the community has a powerful role to play in brightening the holiday season for these young people. “Even though many may have outgrown a belief in Santa, community support can inspire the kind of Christmas magic that changes lives—through donations that bring comfort, stability, and hope.”

“Knowing that there are warm and generous people in the community can be life changing. That is what is important to us – making sure that people experiencing homelessness don’t feel so alone.”

The Alarming Reality: Youth Homelessness in Australia

According to the latest homelessness data for 2022-23*, of the 273,000 people who accessed homelessness services across Australia, 76,000—or nearly 30%—were under the age of 18. Distressingly, the highest rate of support requests came from those aged 15-17, with young women representing a significant portion.

Anchor’s 2025 Christmas Fundraising Drive:

Making a donation to Anchor’s Christmas appeal means giving hope and support to the children and young people supported across their youth homelessness and foster care programs.

 

The goal is always to ensure that these young people are given everything they need to build a pathway out of homelessness, and donations go a long way to making this happen.

 

In the last 12 months, Anchor supported over 350 young people with safe and stable accommodation, and the care and guidance of support workers who help build their independence, living skills and connections to community.

 

With around 28,000** young people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Australia, the Anchor Christmas campaign is a vital reminder of the support needed from our community, and the life-changing impact it can have on children and young people.

 

Donating to Anchor this Christmas means providing young people with a safe, stable home, and the chance to follow their dreams.

 

Visit the campaign page and make a difference today: https://anchor.org.au/christmas-appeal-2025/