Beyond Youth Homelessness Podcast

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

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 Donate to the work of Project Youth HERESupport the show

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 Donate to the work of Project Youth HERESupport the show

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 Donate to the work of Project Youth HERESupport the show

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

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt sits down with Harry to explore identity, belonging and the realities of safety when experiencing homelessness.Harry shares how searching for connection and role models shaped his sense of self — sometimes helping, sometimes hindering. Harry shares his story in a way that challenges the stigma surrounding crime, unpacking how survival choices can look very different when your options are limited and safety exists on a spectrum.This conversation explores what it means to choose between being safe and being housed, and the moment when you have to question the beliefs that once protected you in order to step into change. Harry also reflects on the power of community — and how finding genuine connection can shift the direction of a life. His story invites us to move beyond judgement and toward understanding.Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.Support the show

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, we sit down with Tash, whose journey embodies the full circle of lived experience, resilience, and community impact.Tash first connected with Project Youth as a young person navigating homelessness. Today, she stands on the other side of that journey as a dedicated youth worker, advocating for and walking alongside young people facing similar challenges.In her conversation with Matt, Tash reflects on how her own experiences reshaped her understanding of what homelessness really is, and why consistent, stable support can be the foundation for a stable home. She speaks openly about the sometimes hidden aspects of homelessness, the importance of services showing up with reliability and care, and what it truly takes for an entire community to help end youth homelessness.Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.Support the show

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt and Ethan sit down with Grace to talk about resilience, recovery and building a future after addiction and homelessness.Grace shares her journey through substance use, rehabilitation and the barriers that often come with trying to rebuild life after addiction. She reflects on the cycle of recovery, the stigma people experiencing addiction can face, and the moment she realised she wanted something different for herself.Grace also speaks about the power of support systems — from early involvement in youth programs to advocacy, housing support and employment opportunities that helped her rebuild stability. Now a mum of two and working with the organisation that once supported her, Grace is using her experience to give back, including developing a program to support young mums navigating similar challenges.Her story is one of persistence, growth and the impact of compassionate support in helping young people move forward.Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.Support the show

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt and Ethan sit down with Quinn to explore the stigma and misunderstanding that often surrounds youth homelessness.Quinn shares her experience navigating homelessness from a young age and moving through Project Youth’s refuges and transitional housing program. She reflects on how assumptions about “naughty” or disengaged young people can overlook the complex realities happening behind closed doors.Quinn also speaks about the power of stability — how having secure housing and consistent support created the space to focus on education, work and future goals. Her story highlights the importance of awareness, funding and support systems that give young people the chance not just to survive, but to build a future.Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.Support the show

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt and Ethan sit down with Tyson to talk about his experience navigating homelessness after being asked to leave home at 18.Tyson shares how quickly life changed when he had to begin navigating housing services, moving through crisis refuges while trying to maintain work and stability. He reflects on the reality that homelessness is rarely a choice, and how routines like employment became an anchor during a time when everything else felt uncertain.Tyson also speaks about the role crisis refuges played in providing more than just a bed, offering access to essential resources, information and support that helped him begin rebuilding stability. His story highlights the importance of community, practical support and the small resources that can make a big difference when someone is trying to move forward.Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.Support the show

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt sits down with Ethan to reflect on his experience growing up in the foster care system.Before the age of five, Ethan had already moved through 21 different placements, an upbringing that shaped his understanding of attachment, security and stability from a very young age. He speaks about how homelessness doesn’t always mean being without a house, but often means being without a home and the sense of safety and belonging that comes with it.Ethan also reflects on the assumptions placed on him as a young person, where behaviours shaped by trauma were often misunderstood as simply being “naughty” by peers, parents and even police. He shares about the people and programs that stepped in to support him when he needed it most, and the difference that consistent care and belief can make in a young person’s life.Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.Support the show