Samaritans has launched a new appeal to help fund the Hunter’s only student accommodation service supporting young people at risk of homelessness.
The Green Light Appeal is raising money for Samaritans Student Accommodation Service at Wickham.
Since 2012, Samaritans Student Accommodation has provided safe, supportive and independent housing for young people aged between 16 and 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
These young people have often fled traumatic or unsafe family situations but are dedicated to completing their education or vocation.
The service provides mentoring and case worker support to empower the students to Green Light their goals.
“It’s a critical program because there’s no other programs that offer this, so if you’re a 16 year old there’s very limited options for your accommodation,” Samaritans Student Accommodation Service Coordinator Matt Anderson said.
It is the only service of its kind in the Hunter region and receives no government funding. It is 100% reliant on the generosity of the local community.
“Any money that is donated will go directly to helping these young people succeed in their studies,” Matt added.
One of the current students, Takira, is working hard to achieve her dream of becoming a high school teacher in a rural community.
After being kicked out of home with just $300 to her name, Takira found safety at Samaritans Student Accommodation.
“I was kicked out three days after I graduated high school and I was living in a refuge for about three months,” Takira said.
“I’m now studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education at uni. I want to do something in this world that actually makes a difference to people.”
Fellow resident Thea left a traumatic family situation when she was 18 years old.
After moving into the student accommodation, she felt safe and supported to start her journey of self-discovery.
Thea gained the confidence to pursue employment opportunities, make genuine connections, and work towards her educational dreams.
“This place has allowed me to find more of me... to understand the parts of me that weren’t heeded a long time ago,” Thea said.
“Support us so the people who desperately need it don’t slip through the cracks.”
Visit samaritans.org.au/donate.