In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt sits down with Harry to explore identity, belonging and the realities of safety when experiencing homelessness.

Harry shares how searching for connection and role models shaped his sense of self — sometimes helping, sometimes hindering. Harry shares his story in a way that challenges the stigma surrounding crime, unpacking how survival choices can look very different when your options are limited and safety exists on a spectrum.

This conversation explores what it means to choose between being safe and being housed, and the moment when you have to question the beliefs that once protected you in order to step into change. Harry also reflects on the power of community — and how finding genuine connection can shift the direction of a life. His story invites us to move beyond judgement and toward understanding.

Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, we sit down with Tash, whose journey embodies the full circle of lived experience, resilience, and community impact.

Tash first connected with Project Youth as a young person navigating homelessness. Today, she stands on the other side of that journey as a dedicated youth worker, advocating for and walking alongside young people facing similar challenges.

In her conversation with Matt, Tash reflects on how her own experiences reshaped her understanding of what homelessness really is, and why consistent, stable support can be the foundation for a stable home. She speaks openly about the sometimes hidden aspects of homelessness, the importance of services showing up with reliability and care, and what it truly takes for an entire community to help end youth homelessness.

Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt and Ethan sit down with Grace to talk about resilience, recovery and building a future after addiction and homelessness.

Grace shares her journey through substance use, rehabilitation and the barriers that often come with trying to rebuild life after addiction. She reflects on the cycle of recovery, the stigma people experiencing addiction can face, and the moment she realised she wanted something different for herself.

Grace also speaks about the power of support systems — from early involvement in youth programs to advocacy, housing support and employment opportunities that helped her rebuild stability. Now a mum of two and working with the organisation that once supported her, Grace is using her experience to give back, including developing a program to support young mums navigating similar challenges.

Her story is one of persistence, growth and the impact of compassionate support in helping young people move forward.

Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt and Ethan sit down with Quinn to explore the stigma and misunderstanding that often surrounds youth homelessness.

Quinn shares her experience navigating homelessness from a young age and moving through Project Youth’s refuges and transitional housing program. She reflects on how assumptions about “naughty” or disengaged young people can overlook the complex realities happening behind closed doors.

Quinn also speaks about the power of stability — how having secure housing and consistent support created the space to focus on education, work and future goals. Her story highlights the importance of awareness, funding and support systems that give young people the chance not just to survive, but to build a future.

Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt and Ethan sit down with Tyson to talk about his experience navigating homelessness after being asked to leave home at 18.

Tyson shares how quickly life changed when he had to begin navigating housing services, moving through crisis refuges while trying to maintain work and stability. He reflects on the reality that homelessness is rarely a choice, and how routines like employment became an anchor during a time when everything else felt uncertain.

Tyson also speaks about the role crisis refuges played in providing more than just a bed, offering access to essential resources, information and support that helped him begin rebuilding stability. His story highlights the importance of community, practical support and the small resources that can make a big difference when someone is trying to move forward.

Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.

In this episode of Beyond Homelessness: Conversations That Matter, Matt sits down with Ethan to reflect on his experience growing up in the foster care system.

Before the age of five, Ethan had already moved through 21 different placements, an upbringing that shaped his understanding of attachment, security and stability from a very young age. He speaks about how homelessness doesn’t always mean being without a house, but often means being without a home and the sense of safety and belonging that comes with it.

Ethan also reflects on the assumptions placed on him as a young person, where behaviours shaped by trauma were often misunderstood as simply being “naughty” by peers, parents and even police. He shares about the people and programs that stepped in to support him when he needed it most, and the difference that consistent care and belief can make in a young person’s life.

Thank you for listening and for joining us as we continue working toward a future where youth homelessness does not exist.