By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Sebastian Jenner and Jamie Massouris are at the frontlines of battling youth homelessness in Melton.
They are part of Hope Street’s First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Service, working relentlessly to break stereotypes and connect young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, with support services and accommodation.
The service’s motto is simple: All young people should have a safe place to live and support.
But Mr Jenner and Mr Massouris are all too aware of the grim reality.
“We had a young woman with three kids … she was sleeping in her car,” Mr Massouris said.
The service found her and her kids a place in a refuge.
The service started receiving referrals on June 12 and in that time has already helped more than 50 young people.
The organisation is appealing to the community and local businesses for help.
Hope Street will host a fundraiser at WestWaters from 6.15pm on Saturday, October 20.
Comedian Elliot Goblet will be MC and Abba tribute band BABBA will perform. Money raised will be used to fund emergency accommodation.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/2wOomEk.
