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Matt Kean MP Launches Project to Support Youth Homelessness

State Member for Hornsby, Matt Kean MP, today launched (representing the Hon. Victor Dominello MP, Minister responsible for Youth Affairs) The Couch Project, the Salvation Army Oasis Youth Support Network's inaugural awareness and fundraising campaign, in Surry Hills, Sydney.

The Couch Project, which coincides with Youth Homelessness Matters Day, aims to raise awareness on youth homelessness and couch surfing.

According to the Oasis Youth Support Network, which provides services and support to homeless youth in Sydney's inner-city, 32,000 young Australians are homeless and 14,000 of those are couch surfing.

Additionally, in a nationwide survey conducted by pureprofile, 64% of Australians do not consider couch surfing to be a form of homelessness.

'Today is about raising awareness on youth homelessness and recognising that couch surfing is a form of homelessness that must be addressed', Mr Kean said.

'Being homeless doesn't imply that you live on the streets. Couch surfing affects the lives of thousands of young people, many of whom are vulnerable, and is an unsustainable form of accommodation'.

'Governments and communities must work together to address the issue of couch surfing, and ensure that homeless youth are provided with the necessary support and services to improve their lives'.

The Couch Project encourages Australians to raise awareness on youth homelessness by spending the night of Friday 8 June 2012 on the couch, with all donations going towards Oasis' services and programs.