With VCE exams beginning across Victoria, Anchor is raising concerns over the impact that homelessness and instable housing has on young people’s ability to complete their final years of school.

As youth homelessness numbers continue to grow, the reality facing many young people will be trying to finish their education while also experiencing homelessness and hardship.

This disadvantage greatly impacts their ability to study, and for too many, the burden becomes overwhelming and their dreams of finishing school fall apart.

Former Anchor Client, Emma knows this experience all too well.

Despite facing homelessness during her VCE, Emma shared her powerful story with Jacinta Parsons on ABC Radio Melbourne. Hear how she found hope and strength through Anchor’s support while finishing school against all odds — and why stable housing is vital for young people across Melbourne and Victoria.

Listen to the interview here:

Emma’s Story

Emma’s family first experienced homelessness when she was only five years old. Despite living for a time with her paternal grandparents, her first year of high school only lasted one month before they found themselves plunged into the homelessness system.

“It was really hard. We were bouncing between places, I didn’t know where I was going to sleep from one day to the next.”

This disruption and instability became the norm during her time in school. By the time she got to VCE (a rarity in itself for someone in Emma’s position), she was already feeling the strain and stress of trying to hold things together at home.

Year 12 was particularly volatile for Emma. Her father was removed from the home by police for family violence and child protection services were a regular presence in her life. As well as navigating this, Emma also had to take on all of the household work, shopping, cooking, and cleaning, to support her mother who is legally blind.

“It was really hard finding time to study. I’d get home at 4pm, go and work in a pizza shop until 10, and then try and fit in a couple of hours of homework before getting sleep.”

“I almost completely lost all motivation. I sort of felt that if I just stopped school, it wouldn’t be so bad.”