In most instances, young people find themselves without stable accommodation because they are escaping conflict and violence. They are often suffering trauma, illness, assault or abuse. Last year alone, presentations by young people in crisis increased by 94% to the South Australian youth specialist homeless gateway at HYPA (Helping Young People Achieve). Young people are also experiencing increasingly complex challenges as lasting solutions are hard to find.

For 60 years SYC, and its youth services division HYPA, has helped young people to avoid and exit homelessness. The HYPA Housing program provides a way out of crisis through transitional housing that helps young people to build their capacity to learn, earn and eventually move into the private rental sector.

Throughout March, HYPA is selling raffle tickets to raise money for HYPA Housing as part of its #TwoFeet campaign – #TwoFeet helps young people overcome disadvantage, increase their independence and stand on their own two feet.

Brad.

There are 6 exciting prizes on offer for just $100, including a brand new 2017 Holden Astra as the first prize. Second prize is a trip for two to Vietnam, voted the ‘number one travel spot’ in 2017 on TripAdvisor, staying in one of the best five-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. Third prize is an opportunity for two people to experience the Barossa by helicopter before dining at Lou Miranda.

The proceeds of the raffle go toward HYPA Housing which has supported over 162 young people seek accommodation since 2011.   These individuals are provided with a home for twelve months and therefore have the opportunity to experience safety and security.

Please help HYPA help young people in need by purchasing a raffle ticket: http://www.hypa.net.au/raffle

At HYPA Housing, tenants pay 30% of their income towards rent so that they can budget for things like food, transport and medical appointments. Tenants are supported by case managers, who help them to learn independent living skills, engage in education and employment, and to make sustainable plans for a better future.

Brad moved into HYPA Housing when he was 20 years old after spending several months on friend’s couches.

“HYPA Housing gave me stability, support and control over my life.  Before coming to HYPA I wasn’t sure if I was going to have the mental capacity to complete Year 12.  It’s hard enough as it is, let alone wondering about where you’re going to be sleeping. Very soon after I moved into HYPA Housing, my grades improved quite drastically from D’s to B’s and A’s,” said Brad.

By providing a safe place to live and study, Brad successfully completed his SACE and has gone on to study a Diploma of Enrolled Nursing, something he’d wanted to do for years.

“For the first time, I have been able to plan my study, when and what I am going to eat in an environment where I have been able to build friendships with other HYPA Housing tenants and others in my community. My overall quality of life has increased exponentially.

“In 12 months I will have finished my Diploma. I hope to also have paid work experience in the Aged Care sector and have rented myself and continue to look after my health and wellbeing, like I am able to in HYPA Housing,” he added.

HYPA CEO Paul Edginton says that this raffle is an opportunity for people to potentially win great prizes and – at the same time – help raise money towards HYPA Housing.

“We have been helping young people achieve in the face of disadvantage and adversity for six decades and this raffle is a really fun way of generating public support and fundraising for the important work we do.

“For every $15,000 we raise, we generate a lifetime benefit of $457,000 per person, over 30 years. This is because HYPA Housing is an affordable housing model that removes homelessness as a barrier to employment. That lifetime benefit includes reduced health, welfare and justice costs, as well as the young person’s newly increased earning potential,” he added.

For the opportunity to be a winner of these prizes click the link to purchase a raffle ticket: http://www.hypa.net.au/raffle