Families are at breaking point right now. The worsening rental situation is pushing affordable housing out of reach.
And the soaring cost of living only continues to make the situation worse for young people trying to make their way in the world.
Andrew was just one year away from finishing his university degree. But with no quiet space of his own to study and having to share a bed with his brother, life at home was becoming intolerable for Andrew. Without enough space at home, Andrew’s studies, mental health, and his relationship with his family were suffering. He was desperate to get away—even at the risk of homelessness.
“You become repulsed by the idea of studying when the environment is noisy, crowded, and overwhelming. The family would have explosive arguments... There'd be times where I’d just have to leave and sleep in my car.”
With each day, tensions continued to rise between household members as everyone felt the frustrations of living in each other’s pockets. Andrew found himself believing he had no other choice but to drop out of university.
Too often, a young person like Andrew loses hope in vulnerable situations like these. And when their family comes to us, terrified that their loved one will become homeless, we cannot delay our support.
We have over 300 families like Andrew’s on our waitlist for studios this winter. But with skyrocketing building costs and increasing demand for our services, we simply can’t keep up.
With a studio, families like Andrew’s can have a separate space with one or two bedrooms and a bathroom built on their property. And it’s so much more than just four walls and a roof. It’s a sanctuary for a young person in need of a stable and secure home environment. It’s space to breathe and reflect, to grow in responsibility and independence, and to dream about the future.
That’s why we urgently need to raise $170,000 before 30 June to ensure young people like Andrew don't lose hope and end up facing homelessness.
Please donate to help give families the studio solution they desperately need—so young people like Andrew don't miss out on their best chance to live a healthy, safe and fulfilling life.
About Kids Under Cover
Kids Under Cover is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing youth homelessness. We build relocatable, one and two bedroom studios, with a bathroom, in the backyard of a family or carer’s home. The extra room relieves overcrowding, eases tension and provides young people with a secure and stable environment.
