YOUTH Futures are continuing to offer vital support to hundreds of young people seeking crisis and emergency relief across Perth, thanks to a Lotterywest grant of $50,849.

For almost 40 years, Youth Futures, have provided accommodation and support services to disadvantaged and young people experiencing homelessness throughout Western Australia.

Youth Futures Spokesperson Louise Bond said Lotterywest’s grant is helping address the financial challenges young people are facing when navigating homelessness, violence and unemployment.

“Emergency relief offers immediate short-term support and is a vital engagement tool for understanding a young person’s situation, allowing us to offer additional support services if needed.

“Data gathered through emergency relief distribution offers insight, supporting us to plug the gaps and deliver what is actually needed.”

Youth Futures Emergency Relief program in 2023 assisted 524 young people across Perth's north-eastern and northwest suburbs.

Support came through the provision of essentials such as food, toiletries, sanitary items, medication, vouchers for public transport, clothing and school items.

Lotterywest chief executive officer Colin Smith said delivering crisis and emergency relief funding for Youth Futures has been a focus for Lotterywest since 1997.

“Every young person deserves equal access to food, essential items, such as clothing and toiletries, and to have their wellbeing supported, which is why we have funded Youth Futures for more than 25 years.”

Since 1988, Youth Futures has helped more than 40,000 disadvantaged young people with assistance through a range of support programs.

The Youth Futures Emergency Relief program aims to reduce financial distress among young people experiencing immediate or imminent financial hardship, provide equal access to food, hygiene items, and other essentials, and connect at-risk young people with appropriate support services to address the underlying issues that led to their financial stress or burden.