YOUNG people for whom the idea of family as a safe haven does not work any more are forced to look elsewhere to feel safe and nurtured.
Most turn to their friends.
When she was 20, Maddison lived with friends for almost a year, going from couch to couch until resentment at her constant presence turned those friendships sour.
"I had nowhere to go: my mother lived overseas and I hadn't had contact with my dad for several years," she said.
"At that time I wasn't aware of the different types of services that were available to me.
"I always felt like a burden and too ashamed to ask for help."
Anna, 17, has also had her fair share of couches and sleeping on the streets, although she was quick to point out she never slept outside alone.
"We always slept in a group and close to a main road so we could get help if something happened," she said.
Having survived the hard times, Maddison and Anna are now members of the youth advisory committee at St George Youth Services, helping other homeless young people find their way.
Along with their friend Lily who also helps homeless, they were at the launch of the St George Sutherland Housing Interagency homeless help website at Hurstville last Wednesday.
The Housing Interagency and the website are the result of more than 25 local services identifying the need for a comprehensive information point for people who are homeless or having trouble with accommodation.
The website contains information about accomm-odation options, financial assistance, food provision and support services.
St George Youth Services manager Valentina Angelovska, who co-ordinated this initiative, said there were concerning statistics around housing and homelessness.
"For example, at least 105,000 people are homeless every night around Australia," she said.
"Also, in the local area around 72 to 80 per cent of low income earners are in housing stress due to unaffordable and unstable housing."
Maddison, who is now 24, was hopeful that young people would find the help which they needed and reduce the amount of time on the streets and moving from house to house.
"I am grateful to see that this website is available for young people who are going through such hard times," she said.
"People of all ages today — and especially youth — rely on technology to get their information.
"Being web-based, this is a non-threatening way of accessing information without the stigma of feeling ashamed."
Details: www.sgshomelesshelp.org.au
