
Launchpad consistently strives to reduce and prevent youth homelessness by enhancing young people’s capacity to fully participate and engage in the community .

WELCOME
Launchpad is a Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) supporting young people and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the City of Sydney. Launchpad provides a wide range of services and opportunities to enhance young people’s capacity so they can participate, engage and belong in the community.
Launchpad is responsible for leading a number of DCJ and City of Sydney funded projects including the Sydney Youth Homelessness Hub, The Sydney District Young Parents Program, assertive outreach to rough sleepers and a Brokerage Program supporting 21 city based youth, SHS and health services.
ASSERTIVE OUTREACH
Launchpad participates in coordinated assertive outreach to clients who are street based or experiencing primary homelessness in the City of Sydney. Launchpad are members of the HART and HOST coordination groups formed by the City of Sydney and the Department of Justice and Communities.
RENT CHOICE YOUTH PROGRAM
Rent Choice Youth Subsidy is a program offered through DCJ Housing NSW that allows young people aged between 16 and 24 to access subsidised rent within the private rental market for a period of up to 3 years. Over the 3 years, the rent begins to taper, allowing the young person to ease into the market rent amount whilst working on their goals. Eligible young people are required to be engaged with a support provider throughout the period of this subsidy, Launchpad piloted the program within Sydney City and continues to support young people to apply for, and to remain in the Rent Choice Youth Subsidy. This program aims to offer young people an alternate option to social housing and helps to prepare them to live independently within the private rental market.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Launchpad aims to ensure young people have the opportunity to fully participate in the community.
We achieve this by:
Support to access affordable housing or support to maintain a tenancy
We work with other organisations who provide counselling, support with trauma, and other stressful situations.
Support with your finances (employment, study, Centrelink, etc)
Opportunities for participation in events, leadership activities and recreation.
Assistance with health issues, school issues, and other personal issues that concern you.
Develop a goal plan and coach you towards achieving these goals, whether it be a job, an idea, or changing the world!
We advocate to reduce structural barriers for young people.
We champion the talents and potential of young people by proactively engaging in Local, State and National political processes.

I’M A YOUNG PERSON
Launchpad support young people aged 16-24 years with a range of services including; accessing or keeping your housing, finances, things at home, things at school, advice & information about education/employment, and coaching you towards achieving your personal goals and aspirations.
You may like to give us an initial call to talk about your current situation, whether you need some direction on where to go, who to contact for more help, what options are available to you, or just to get some general advice.
After you contact us we aim to see you within 7 days.
Young people who request assistance can expect us to:
- Ask you questions about your needs and goals (assessment)
- Develop a plan with you to achieve these goals
- Give you information and advice
- Work with other services you may be involved with to coordinate our efforts together
- Work with your family, friends, carers and others to try make things at home better
- Connect you to other services such as health, employment and education
- Provide you with support to access affordable housing
- Give you a chance to participate in our many social/recreational events
- Assist you in gaining access to income support (e.g. Centrelink)

I’M A SUPPORT PERSON
If you are a family member, carer, youth worker, professional or just someone who is concerned for a friend, Launchpad can assist you with advice and information for young people and families that you might be working with.
Launchpad offers flexible support to young people and their families, and/or other professionals helping young people. We offer a young person centered approach and work in collaboration with a range of organisations.
Please contact us for more information.

GET INVOLVED
There are a number of ways an investment will supporting young people and enhancing opportunities.

