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10-Nov-2025 | Housing & Homelessness

Sam's Journey With SYC

Sam has been engaged with SYC Community Services programs since 2023. They first connected with SYC through our housing initiative, which offers affordable housing for young people who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

“During my time in the program, I have experienced fantastic, holistic support to develop my independent living skills with the goal of seeking long-term housing for myself. Through consistent support and taking advantage of connections with other support programs, I have developed the skills I need to maintain a private tenancy and will soon be moving on into public housing, which will allow me to put my focus towards my future career and obtaining a full driver’s license.” - Sam

The program provides young people with a safe, affordable, and supportive place to live while they work towards independent housing. Participants receive mentoring and opportunities to develop essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, managing health and wellbeing, preparing for employment, car maintenance, cleaning, and building positive relationships with neighbours. This holistic approach supports young people to transition successfully into independent living.

“The program has taught me the required knowledge to navigate the private rental market, alongside frequent self-reflection and goal management. This paired with developing my skills around successfully maintaining a tenancy meant that when I came across an opportunity for housing, I was proven to be a reliable and desirable candidate and therefore have received a verbal offer for stable, long-term housing.” - Sam

Since becoming part of the initiative, Sam has also taken part in SYC’s Career Grit program. This initiative supports young people to explore training and study options, identify their passions and strengths and build confidence as they begin their career journeys.

“Career Grit gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone. With proactive engagement I was able to fully utilise the knowledge and skills of those running the program to begin volunteer work which has been a brilliant way for me to gain experience in the field of Youth Work. These skills also came in handy after my time with Career Grit to secure part-time employment to support myself financially during my journey.” - Sam

SYC is proud to work with young people like Sam, providing programs that offer safe, affordable housing and meaningful opportunities to develop the skills and confidence needed to live independently and pursue their goals.