Overview
The Unequal Foundation report, drawing on data from the Mission Australia’s 2025 Youth Survey, explores the experiences of young people aged 14-19 who have faced homelessness or housing instability. Compared with their peers who had not experienced housing concerns, these young people were more likely to report financial hardship, poorer mental health and wellbeing, weaker support networks, and disruptions to education and employment. The challenges were most acute for young people who experienced homelessness on their own.
Despite this, many remained engaged in education, employment and extracurricular activities, and continued to hold positive aspirations for their future.
What's driving youth homelessness and housing instability?
Mission Australia's latest research found that family or relationship conflict, a lack of affordable housing, and family or domestic violence were the most commonly reported factors contributing to young people's homelessness and housing instability. Many young people facing housing challenges also experienced financial hardship, poorer mental health, weaker support networks and disruptions to education or work.
Explore the findings in more detail
Download the full An Unequal Foundation report to learn more about youth homelessness in Australia.