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02-Aug-2026 | Housing & Homelessness

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home: Homelessness Week 2026

Home should be a place of safety, stability and belonging. In the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, more than 122,000 Australians were recorded as experiencing homelessness. As housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures continue to affect communities across the country, support services are seeing increasing demand.

As Australia marks Homelessness Week (3 to 9 August), this year's theme, Homelessness Action Now, is a reminder that early action and the right support can change lives.

Behind every statistic is a person with their own story. Every day, we support people experiencing homelessness, housing stress or challenges that put their housing at risk. Through services including The Foundry by SYC, HYPA Housing, RentRight SA and the Lived Experience Engagement Service (LEES), SYC supports people at every stage of their housing journey while working to improve the homelessness system for the future.

Homelessness isn't always visible. Many people are couch surfing, living in overcrowded housing or moving between temporary accommodation. For young people facing uncertainty, a safe place to go can make all the difference.

At The Foundry by SYC, young people can access food, showers, laundry facilities and practical support in a safe, welcoming environment. Whether someone needs essentials, help finding accommodation, specialist support or simply someone to talk to, the team helps young people navigate challenges and plan their next steps.

"Many young people come through our doors unsure where to turn next. The Foundry is a place where they can take a breath and know someone is there to listen without judgement. Sometimes a safe place and a genuine conversation are the first steps towards stability."

- Lucy Rodgers, Team Leader, The Foundry by SYC

SYC's HYPA Housing (Independent Housing Solutions) program provides safe and affordable semi-supported accommodation for people aged 17 to 25 who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Alongside housing, young people build the skills and confidence they need to live independently and prepare for long-term housing.

"One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing the joy a young person feels when they're accepted into the HYPA Housing program and know they have a safe and stable place to call home. Supporting our tenants as they find stability and flourish is what makes this work so meaningful.

- Brooke Munton, Community Coordinator, HYPA Housing

Taking action early can also help prevent homelessness.

Through RentRight SA, SYC provides cost-free tenancy advice, advocacy and financial counselling to help South Australians understand their rights, resolve issues early and maintain stable housing.

"In times of change, uncertainty and hardship, RentRight SA provides accurate, independent information and advice to empower South Australians to make informed decisions about their housing. My message this Homelessness Week is simple: don't wait to reach out. By contacting us early, we can provide advice, information and support that may change the outcome of a situation and help prevent the loss of a home."

- Julie Nemet, Manager, RentRight SA

Preventing and responding to homelessness also means listening to the people who have experienced it.

Through SYC's Lived Experience Engagement Service (LEES), people with lived experience of homelessness help shape policies, services and decision-making across South Australia's homelessness sector, ensuring the voices of those most affected inform future improvements.

From responding to crises to preventing homelessness and improving the systems that support people, SYC is committed to helping more people find stability and a safe place to call home.

"Homelessness is rarely the result of a single event. It is often the culmination of complex life experiences, system pressures and circumstances beyond an individual's control. At SYC, we know that safe and stable housing creates the foundation for people to rebuild their lives, pursue education and employment, strengthen relationships and participate fully in their community.

Our role extends beyond responding to homelessness. We work alongside people at different stages of their housing journey, from early intervention and tenancy support through to housing and ongoing wellbeing, because we know that lasting outcomes require both practical support and genuine connection.

Homelessness Week is an opportunity to recognise the resilience of people experiencing homelessness while also challenging ourselves to do more. Preventing and ending homelessness requires collaboration across government, community organisations and the broader community. Together, we have a responsibility to create systems that respond earlier, remove barriers and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

- Kiara Kerr, Chief Operating Officer, Community Services

Learn more about SYC's housing and homelessness support