The Youth Homelessness Advisory Council (YHAC) is a WA youth-led advocacy group for young people with lived experience of homelessness. The group was originally established in 2019 with a group of 10 young people who led the creation of the WA Alliance to End Homelessness’s Youth Homelessness Action Plan that aimed to increase sector and community capacity to respond to the needs of young people at risk of homelessness. In 2022, the Sisters of St John of God Ministries provided 3 years of funding to re-establish and further the work of the YHAC.
In order to deliver services and provide solutions that best meet the needs of young people engaged with the homelessness sector, we need to listen to their voices. Young people’s voices don’t currently have a platform in the housing and homelessness services sector, but YHAC strives to create this advocacy pathway. The team of young people advocate for improved policy, service systems, programs and outcomes in areas that impact young people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. This is achieved through the range of different activities and projects that YHAC engages in.
YHAC aims to create positive change within the youth homelessness sector through their advocacy efforts and greater relationships between government decision makers, service providers, the general community and young people themselves. Through their involvement with the program, young people gain valuable skills, build their capacity as both leaders and advocates, and get to use their lived experience to create positive change and improve services and systems for young people experiencing homelessness.
If you would like to stay up to date with YHAC, please contact Bella Jia at bella@yacwa.org.au or follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Alicia
My name’s Alicia (they/them), I’m the YHAC Policy and Project Support Officer, and I’m a Libra! I am a third-year student studying Political Science and Anthropology. In my spare time I love astrology, crafts and listening to a good podcast. I want to use my voice as a young person with lived experience of homelessness to advocate for systemic change.
Brooke
Hi! I’m Brooke, I’m 18 right now and am working towards getting my Cert III in Community services while working at a fruit and veg warehouse. Some things I love doing are heading down to the beach for a swim, listening to live music, going camping and also just going out to do fun activities with my partner.
Eli
Hi, I'm Eli (he/him) and I'm delighted to be a member of YACWA's Youth Homelessness Advisory Council. At 20 years old, I am deeply passionate about youth work and driven by my desire to empower young individuals and make a meaningful impact within our community. I have completed my Diploma of Youth Work at North Metro Tafe, which has further enhanced my skills and knowledge in this field. Having volunteered at other community service organizations, I understand the importance of community involvement and the power of collaboration. Drawing from my own lived experience, I aim to shape organizations to better address the current needs of young people facing homelessness. With strong skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork, I am committed to working alongside my fellow members and stakeholders to achieve our shared goals. In my personal life I enjoy expressing my creativity through drawing and immersing myself in the world of dungeons and dragons. Additionally, I have a passion for video games and skateboarding, which brings balance to my life and helps me connect with others.
Ethan
Hi! I'm Ethan and I go by they/them pronouns. I love bass and guitar, singing, gaming and going on adventures. I'm hugely passionate for creating and advocating for positive change, especially for young people, due to my experiences in life. I'm immensely excited to see where being part of YHAC will take me, and the incredible impact our work will have on the lives of young people.
Michele
Hello! My name is Michele and I go by she/her. I have the privilege of working as a member of the Youth Homelessness Advisory Council here in beautiful Boorloo. I’m deeply passionate about youth advocacy and the right to safe and secure housing. I hope to use my lived experience of homelessness to create positive change and improve services, resources and outcomes for young people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Reece
Hello there! It's a pleasure to introduce myself to you. My name is Reece, and I use they/them pronouns. I'm thrilled to be a part of the incredible YHAC team and to have the opportunity to contribute to its mission. I'm deeply passionate about a wide range of topics, including harm reduction, mental health, sexology, advocacy, activism, and building community. I believe that by working together, we can create the change we want to see! Currently, I'm also pursuing a double degree in psychology, criminology, and justice, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and what I can learn along the way.
Morgan
I’m Morgan, I use She/Her pronouns, I’m currently doing my Certificate II in Community Services as well as doing a Certificate in Business. I play baseball and represented WA in the Inaugural Barclay Cup baseball tournament in 2022.
Willow
Hello, I am 24 and a strong advocate for youth homelessness and justice. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of a collective community of individuals with shared interests and passion to work together for positive change. I also plan to study IT soon and use these skills to provide me extra assistance in these fields. I love animals and gardening in my free time.
