The number of homeless teenagers aged 12 to 18 has doubled to
22,000 in the last two decades, according to the National Youth
Commission's (NYC) Australia's Homeless Youth report released
yesterday.
Unity Foundation currently provides a long-term care program
designed to support at risk Indigenous youth aged 12-22 years with
all dimensions of life. The program is underpinned by a commitment
to cultural, community and family values while adopting the evidence
based Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
When asked today about the
National Youth Commission's (NYC) Australia's Homeless Youth report,
co-founder Allan Murray said, "It's time that we recognise there is
a big issue with homeless youth throughout our communities. I am
encouraged that media and governments are recognising the issue of
homelessness. Now it is time to support programs like ours which
struggle to attract financial support. We are out there doing the
hard work already and we need support to further put plans into
actions!"
Currently Unity Foundation has two homes supporting up to 10
youth. Commenting on media coverage carer Sonia Weston said, "I am
motivated more than ever to work with my community and am inspired
by the youth in our program each day. It is great to see the greater
community opening their eyes and acknowledging that homelessness is
a massive issue.¨
Unity Foundation's long term homelessness program is one of
the most cost effective and thought to be the only one of its kind
in Australia.
According to CEO Peter King, "The success of our Homelessness
program is highlighted by the numerous requests from Indigenous
communities to expand our program in areas including Murray Bridge,
Darwin, and Albury. However we are yet to meet this demand. With the
Unity Foundation model only requiring $100,000 per house we are
seeking additional support for our program. We are currently
negotiating with government and seeking corporate support to firstly
consolidate then expand our program. This is our major challenge.¨
Addressing this serious issue of Indigenous homelessness is
central to Unity Foundation's mission.
Unity Co-Founder Xavier Clarke believes, "Unity Foundation's
structured life skill programs and educational programs designed
specifically for Indigenous youth, ensuring cultural sensitivities,
are helping to bridge the health and educational barriers
restricting the Indigenous youth and impact the numbers of homeless
youth on our streets.¨
Mr. Clarke stated that, Unity Foundation is committed to working
with the Indigenous population to help reduce homelessness and
bridge health and educational barriers that significantly impact on
the Indigenous population.¨
Background information on Unity Foundation
Unity Foundation is a not-for-profit Melbourne based
organisation (formally founded in 2006, following the community work
of Xavier Clarke, Allan Murray and Peter King which begun in 2003)
that focuses on empowering Indigenous youth to achieve their dreams,
goals and ambitions.
Programs delivered by Unity Foundation include our homelessness
program, reinforcing healthy eating and benefits of physical
activity, decision making programs for Indigenous youth in secondary
schools, as well as individual support for young Indigenous people
in academic development, vocational training and job placement.
Snap Shot of Unity Foundation's Homelessness Program
Unity Foundation's Homelessness Program is a long-term care
program designed to support young Indigenous people aged 12 - 22
years within all dimensions of their lives. The program is
underpinned by a commitment to cultural, community and family values
and adopts the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Unity Foundation has two homes that operate 24 hours a day in
the Bayside and Peninsula regions of Melbourne. Each home can house
up to six young people, a primary carer, and a support carer and is
supported by a voluntary Community Committee drawn from members of
the local community. Indigenous Youth are encouraged to be involved
for a minimum of three years.
Unity Foundation has undertaken its own informal reviews of the
program. The reviews have found that all participants are currently
involved in work or education, have had no involvement with the
justice system since being involved in the program and have
reconnected with their families. In addition, no self-harm attempts
or hospital admissions has occurred.
Due to lack of funding and resources, Unity Foundation's plans
to open a third home in the Chelsea region has been put on hold.
Funding issues has also resulted in Unity Foundation not being able
to undertake a formal evaluation of the Homelessness Program.
Snap Shot of Unity Foundation Founders
Peter King (Chief Executive Officer) has been involved in
not-for-profit, government and private health services as a health
professional and company director. Peter also has a research
background and is enrolled in a PhD. Peter provided support to Allan
Murray and Xavier Clarke (co-founders) in setting up Unity
Foundation.
Allan Murray (Director, Business Development) Unity Foundation
co-founder and former AFL Footballer with the St.Kilda Football
Club. Joint-winner of the 2006 Aboriginal Young Achievers Award,
presented by the former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Hon Gavin
Jennings. The award recognises individual achievements and
aspirations and encourages further development in training for young
Indigenous Victorians.
Xavier Clarke (Director) Unity Foundation co- founder and
current AFL Footballer with the St.Kilda Football Club. Winner of
the 2005 AFL Foundation Community Leadership Award. The award
recognises individual achievements and aspirations AFL footballers
and their commitment to Community work.
Media Contact:
Peter King, CEO (03) 9593 6259
Mobile: 0424 868 893 Email: peterk@unityfoundation.org.au
