Victoria’s Governor and Melbourne’s Lord Mayor are supporting work to end youth homelessness, becoming Patrons of a local charity helping the State’s most vulnerable young people. 

For more than 30 years, Lighthouse Foundation has provided therapeutic care and homes to more than 1,230 young people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Over the past year, it has expanded its reach by 85 per cent to help an increasing number of youth and children in need. 

“It is my great pleasure to take on the role of Patron-in-Chief of Lighthouse Foundation during my term of office in support of its important work to end youth homelessness,” said Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria.

“By supporting young Victorians when they need it most, Lighthouse Foundation is helping to build better futures and stronger communities.”  

For Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Sally Capp AO, being a Patron of Lighthouse marks a return to the organisation, after she served as a member of the charity’s Board and volunteer in 1994. 

“I couldn’t be prouder to be returning to Lighthouse Foundation as a Patron to help promote the important mission of this hardworking team,” the Lord Mayor said. 

“Lighthouse Foundation has played a pivotal role in creating pathways to end youth homelessness in Victoria for over three decades. Vulnerable young people continue to turn to this charity for help when they need it most.” 

Related: GJK Facility Services supports Kids Cancer Project Australia & Lighthouse Foundation

The City of Melbourne has been an avid supporter of Lighthouse Foundation’s transitional home in north-west Melbourne and the Community Connect program, as well as supporting broader work across the city community including hosting events at the Melbourne Town Hall. 

Lighthouse Foundation Founder and Director, Susan Barton AM, said the charity was honoured to have the support of such influential members in our community. 

“By having the Governor of Victoria and Lord Mayor of Melbourne help shine a light on this vital community issue, we hope more people will come together to consider solutions to end youth homelessness here in Melbourne and beyond,” said Barton. 

“We thank the Governor and Lord Mayor for helping us to bring greater awareness to the experiences of our most vulnerable young people, as we work to help them heal and thrive in our Community.” 

The global pandemic and subsequent rising costs of living have led to a mental health crisis and an increase in family violence, pushing more children, young people, and families to the brink of homelessness. Last year, the Lighthouse Foundation cared for a record number of young people, foster and kinship families with more than 1,230 young people part of Lighthouse’s On for Life community. 

For more on housing and homelessness, check out Third Sector’s 6th Annual National Housing and Homelessness Forum.