Frontyard provides ongoing care for LGBTIQA+ youth in COVID-19

Some of our most vulnerable Victorians are at increased risk throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

Melbourne City Mission (MCM) provides crisis accommodation in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD for young people experiencing homelessness at Frontyard Youth Services. 

In 2019, MCM data showed that one third of young people accessing services through Frontyard identified as LGBTIQA+.  

LGBTIQA+ youth higher risk of homelessness 

Currently in Victoria there are more than 6,000 young people who experience homelessness every night—and unfortunately we predict a steep increase in these numbers throughout the COVID-19 crisis. 

As more people need to work from home and self-isolate, family tensions can escalate, with real consequences.

If there is conflict between an LGBTIQA+ young person and their family, staying at home may no longer be a viable or safe option for them. This can lead to these already vulnerable young people falling into homelessness. 

We expect many young people during this time will be forced to leave home for their physical safety, mental health and wellbeing, leading to an increased demand for MCM services.  

We have moved most of our services online, but many young people experiencing homelessness lack either the technology, equipment or data to be able to access the services they desperately need.

30 years of supporting young people 

For more than three decades, Frontyard Youth Services has provided multidisciplinary programs for young people aged 12-24 who are at risk of homelessness. 

Frontyard takes a holistic approach and offers wraparound support to help young people meet their physical, emotional and social needs in order to forge pathways out of homelessness for good. 

Ongoing support challenging in COVID-19 

As COVID-19 continues to impact on our lives, our services will be stretched. Our COVID-19 appeal is there to offer immediate support to young people experiencing homelessness during this pandemic. Ongoing support will be needed both during and after the pandemic ends, and MCM and Frontyard will continue to care for at-risk young people no matter what. You can ensure the services we offer continue to be delivered at the high standard these young people deserve. 

If you are in a position to help, you can support our work with young people during coronavirus here.