By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
Cherry Rudder Anderson of Noosa has struggled with homelessness since the age of 16 as she desperately searched for a stable home.
Through the help of United Synergies, Tewantin, Cherry, now, 18, is finally getting her life back on track.
“Being homeless contributed to my own personal mental state having to take on such large responsibilities,” Cherry said.
“Now that I have a home to call my own I have the confidence to say that I have become a much stronger and happy person.
“I now have the capacity to do great things.
“United Synergies has helped me acquire a platform to make the most out of my career and general living with their helpful resources and kind staff – for that I am grateful.”
United Synergies is a not for profit organisation that provides direct services and support to individuals, families and communities (and in particular young people) to assist them in achieving their full potential.
The origins of the organisation extend back to 1989 when assistance to young homeless people was provided under a project known as the Noosa Accommodation Project (NAP).
In the past 10 months, United Synergies’ Specialist Homelessness Service in Tewantin has supported 72 clients aged between 16 and 25.
About 40 per cent were male and 60 per cent were female.
April 15 marked Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD), a time to raise awareness of youth homelessness throughout Australia.
“There are currently 105,237 people in Australia that are homeless,” Cherry said.
“These are people you see in the street, they are just like you, only they don’t have a roof over their head and a bed to call their own.”
BREAKOUT BOX
Did you know?
– 42 per cent of the homeless population are under 25 years old.
– There are 26,000 young homeless Australians aged 12 to 25.
– 70 per cent of these have left home to escape family violence, child abuse or family breakdown.
– The first and most common way young people experience homelessness is couch surfing.
For more information visit youthhomelessnessmatters.net.
There is support from Lifeline on 131 114, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or eheadspace.org.au.
For more information about United Synergies programs go to www.unitedsynergies.com.au.
