Alice Springs Youth Accommodation & Support Services Inc.

About ASYASS — Youth Accommodation and Support Services Alice Springs

Alice Springs Youth Accommodation & Support Services Inc. (ASYASS) is a non-profit, community-focused organisation that has been providing emergency accommodation, crisis housing, and youth support services in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, for over 30 years. ASYASS believes that all young people have a right to secure, appropriate, and affordable housing, regardless of who they are, where they come from, their race, ethnicity, culture, or sexual orientation.

Established in 1989 and registered as a charity (ABN 35451745525), ASYASS operates four specialized programs serving young people aged 14 to 24 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Central Australia. The organisation provides safe, supported accommodation combined with comprehensive case management to help young people develop independence, re-engage with education and employment, and build a stable future.

Emergency Accommodation and Crisis Housing — Serving Young People 14-24

ASYASS addresses youth homelessness in Alice Springs through four distinct programs, each tailored to meet the specific needs of different age groups and circumstances. Whether a young person requires immediate crisis accommodation, semi-independent housing, intensive support to transition to adulthood, or specialized services for young mothers, ASYASS provides appropriate, safe accommodation with wraparound support services.

Four Specialized Programs

Crisis Refuge (ages 14-17): A 4-bedroom facility providing short or long-term emergency accommodation with 24-hour support for young men and women experiencing homelessness or family breakdown.

Youth Housing Program (ages 16-24): Affordable semi-independent accommodation across eight properties in Alice Springs, offering up to 12 months tenancy with case management support to develop independent living skills.

On Track (ages 14-17): A 2-bedroom intensive youth support program focusing on transitioning young people to adulthood and independence through holistic case management.

Ampe Akweke House (ages 14-24): A 5-bedroom facility providing residential and outreach support to pregnant young women or new mothers with babies under 2 years old who are at risk of homelessness.

Together, these programs form a comprehensive youth accommodation service addressing the diverse needs of homeless and at-risk young people in Alice Springs and the wider Northern Territory.

Crisis Refuge — Short and Long-Term Emergency Accommodation (Ages 14-17)

The Crisis Refuge is ASYASS’s primary emergency accommodation service for young men and women aged 14 to 17 years who are experiencing homelessness, family breakdown, or are otherwise unable to live safely at home. This youth crisis refuge provides both short-term and long-term crisis accommodation in a safe, supervised environment.

The 4-bedroom facility offers each young person their own air-conditioned room with fresh linen and personal hygiene products. Young people share kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and lounge facilities, and have access to WIFI and an outdoor area. The refuge operates with 24-hour staff support, ensuring young people are safe and supported at all times.

Services provided at Crisis Refuge include:

• 24-hour supervision and support
• Individual, air-conditioned bedrooms
• Shared meal preparation and daily meals
• Comprehensive case management and mentorship
• Educational support and assistance with school attendance
• Health and mental health service connections
• Life skills development
• Family re-engagement support where appropriate
• Recreational activities and cultural connections
• Banking and budgeting assistance
• Navigation of family/domestic violence situations
• Access to government allowances

Young people staying at Crisis Refuge are expected to attend school or participate in some form of work activity, with staff providing support to overcome barriers to engagement. The refuge works to identify and work towards individual goals while addressing immediate needs around safety, health, education, and income.

Youth Housing Program — Affordable Semi-Independent Accommodation (Ages 16-24)

The Youth Housing Program provides affordable, semi-independent accommodation for young men and women aged 16 to 24 years who have limited experience living independently, are on low incomes, are unable to reside with family, and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This program currently manages eight properties located across Alice Springs, offering young people a stable base from which to develop independence.

Through supported case management, participants in the Youth Housing Program are encouraged to develop strong tenancy skills including rental payments, property maintenance, and rental inspections. The program aims to equip young people with the skills and experience needed to secure and maintain future public or private housing independently.

Accommodation is provided for up to 12 months, during which young people receive ongoing support to:

• Develop and strengthen tenancy skills
• Manage rental requirements and payments
• Maintain properties to a good standard
• Re-engage in education, training, or employment
• Develop life skills for independent living
• Build financial management capabilities
• Re-engage with family where appropriate

Young people can access the Youth Housing Program through referral from other support services or through self-referral. The program provides an important stepping stone between crisis accommodation and fully independent housing, giving young people time and support to develop the skills and stability needed for long-term housing success.

On Track — Intensive Youth Support Program (Ages 14-17)

On Track is an intensive youth support program specifically designed to help young men and women aged 14 to 17 years transition to adulthood and independence. Operating from a 2-bedroom facility, On Track provides a more intensive level of support than the Crisis Refuge, focusing on preparing young people for independent living through holistic case management.

Each young person receives an individual, air-conditioned room with personal hygiene products and fresh linen. Shared facilities include kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and lounge areas, plus WIFI and an outdoor space. As with other ASYASS programs, young people are supported to attend school or participate in work activities.

On Track provides focused support in:

• School attendance and ongoing educational support
• One-on-one assistance developing independent living skills
• Personal development and goal setting
• Connection to appropriate health and mental health services
• Recreational activities and positive social engagement
• Development of long-term goals
• Financial counselling and money management
• Transition planning for moving to more independent accommodation

The program recognizes that the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be particularly challenging for young people without stable family support. On Track provides intensive, individualized assistance to help young people develop the confidence, skills, and connections needed to successfully navigate this transition.

Ampe Akweke House — Mums and Bubs Program (Pregnant or New Mothers 14-24)

Ampe Akweke House offers specialized residential and outreach support to young women aged 14 to 24 years who are pregnant or have a baby under 2 years old and are unable to reside with family or are at risk of homelessness. The name “Ampe Akweke” reflects the program’s commitment to supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers, though the service is available to all young women who meet the criteria.

This young mothers accommodation program provides both short-term and long-term crisis accommodation in a 5-bedroom house designed to meet the specific needs of pregnant women and young mothers. Each bedroom has reverse cycle air conditioning, queen-sized beds, fresh linen, and a bassinet or cot for babies. The house welcomes young mothers with a range of personal hygiene products and baby care items.

Uniquely, Ampe Akweke House allows a female family member to stay as a support person, helping maintain family and community connections while providing practical assistance with childcare and parenting. This recognition of the importance of family support sets Ampe Akweke apart from many crisis accommodation services.

Facilities and support at Ampe Akweke House include:

• 5 private bedrooms with baby sleeping equipment
• Shared kitchen with support for meal preparation
• Shared lounge, dining area, and two bathrooms
• Laundry facilities, WIFI, and computer access
• Large outdoor area for children to play
• Age-appropriate toys for babies and toddlers
• Comprehensive case management
• Support for tenancy skills and housing stability
• Family/domestic violence navigation support
• Assistance with government allowances and budgeting
• Parenting skills development and capacity building
• Support for antenatal and postnatal appointments
• Connection to maternity support services (Alukura, ASH maternity ward, ANFPP)
• Development of support networks and social connections
• Cultural connection opportunities

Ampe Akweke House recognizes that young mothers facing homelessness need specialized support that addresses both their housing needs and the unique challenges of parenting while still in adolescence or early adulthood. The program provides a safe, supportive environment where young mothers can develop parenting skills, access health services, and work towards stable, independent housing for themselves and their children.

Location and Contact — Alice Springs Northern Territory

ASYASS is located in Alice Springs, the third-largest town in the Northern Territory and a major service hub for Central Australia. The organization’s head office is at Shop 7, Diarama Village, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs NT 0871.

Contact Information:
Phone: 08 8953 4200
Email: office@asyass.org.au
Website: asyass.org.au

ASYASS serves young people throughout Alice Springs and the wider Central Australian region. While program facilities are located in Alice Springs, the organization’s impact extends to young people from remote communities, Aboriginal homelands, and regional towns who come to Alice Springs seeking accommodation and support.

Alice Springs is located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, approximately 1,500 kilometres south of Darwin and 1,500 kilometres north of Adelaide. The town serves as a regional centre for a vast area, and many young people travel to Alice Springs from remote areas to access education, employment, and support services that may not be available in their home communities.

How to Access ASYASS Services — Referral and Self-Referral Process

ASYASS programs can be accessed through two main pathways: professional referral or self-referral. This dual approach ensures that young people can access support whether they are already connected with other services or are reaching out independently for help.

Professional Referral: Young people are often referred to ASYASS by other support services including schools, child protection services, family violence services, health services, or other youth organizations. Referral forms for the Crisis Refuge, Youth Housing Program, On Track, and Ampe Akweke House are available on the ASYASS website at asyass.org.au/forms.

Self-Referral: Young people can contact ASYASS directly if they need accommodation or support. To self-refer or enquire about services, young people can call 08 8953 4200 or email office@asyass.org.au. ASYASS staff will discuss the young person’s situation and determine which program might be most appropriate for their needs.

What to expect when contacting ASYASS:

• Initial phone or in-person conversation to understand the young person’s situation
• Assessment of immediate safety and housing needs
• Discussion of available programs and waiting times
• Explanation of program expectations and support available
• Referral to appropriate program or other services if ASYASS programs are full

For young people in immediate crisis or unsafe situations, ASYASS will prioritize assessment and work to provide accommodation as quickly as possible. If programs are at capacity, staff will connect young people with other emergency accommodation services or supports.

Support Services and Case Management

All ASYASS programs provide comprehensive case management tailored to each young person’s individual needs and goals. Case management is the cornerstone of ASYASS’s approach, recognizing that safe accommodation alone is not sufficient to address youth homelessness. Young people need holistic support that addresses the underlying causes of their housing instability and helps them develop the skills and connections needed for long-term stability.

ASYASS case management includes support with:

Education and Employment: Assistance with school enrolment and attendance, connection to vocational education and training, help accessing apprenticeships or employment, and support to overcome barriers to education and work engagement.

Health and Wellbeing: Connection to healthcare services including GPs, dental care, and specialist services; support accessing mental health services and counselling; assistance with antenatal and postnatal care for pregnant young women and new mothers.

Life Skills Development: Support developing cooking, cleaning, and self-care skills; assistance with shopping, meal planning, and nutrition; help developing time management and organizational skills; support with personal hygiene and presentation.

Financial Management: Assistance accessing government allowances including Youth Allowance, Centrelink benefits, and Parenting Payment; support with banking and budgeting; help managing debt and bills; financial counselling for young people struggling with money management.

Tenancy and Housing: Development of rental payment skills and understanding of tenancy obligations; support with property maintenance and cleaning; assistance with rental inspections; help securing future housing including applications for public housing or private rentals; support preventing tenancy failure and eviction.

Relationships and Family: Support with family re-engagement where safe and appropriate; help navigating family conflict and communication; assistance accessing family violence services; support developing healthy relationships and friendships; connection to parenting support for young mothers.

Cultural and Social Connections: Support maintaining cultural connections, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people; assistance accessing cultural activities and communities; help building positive social networks; recreational activities and social engagement opportunities.

Legal and Advocacy: Support navigating child protection systems; assistance with legal issues including court appearances; advocacy with other services and systems; help understanding rights and responsibilities.

Case management is provided by qualified, experienced youth workers who build trusting relationships with young people and work collaboratively towards goals that the young person identifies as important to them.

Youth Homelessness in Alice Springs and Central Australia

Youth homelessness is a significant issue in Alice Springs and across the Northern Territory. While exact numbers are difficult to determine, census data and service provider reports consistently show that young people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, are disproportionately affected by homelessness in Central Australia.

Common pathways into youth homelessness in Alice Springs include:

Family Breakdown: Conflict with parents or caregivers, family violence, overcrowding in the family home, or parental substance abuse issues can lead to young people leaving or being excluded from the family home.

Transition from Care: Young people leaving out-of-home care at age 18 often lack the family support networks that help other young people transition to independence, putting them at high risk of homelessness.

Financial Hardship: Low incomes, unemployment, and the high cost of housing in Alice Springs can make it impossible for young people to secure or maintain private rental accommodation.

Housing Crisis: Alice Springs faces a significant shortage of affordable housing, with very low vacancy rates and high rents. This housing shortage particularly affects young people on low incomes.

Migration from Remote Communities: Many young people come to Alice Springs from remote Aboriginal communities seeking education, employment, or to escape problems in their home communities. Without established support networks in town, these young people are vulnerable to homelessness.

Mental Health and Substance Use: Young people experiencing mental health issues or problematic substance use may struggle to maintain stable housing, particularly if these issues strain family relationships or affect their ability to meet tenancy obligations.

ASYASS addresses these complex pathways into homelessness by providing not just accommodation, but comprehensive support that helps young people address the underlying issues affecting their housing stability while developing the skills and connections needed for independence.

Donate to Support Youth Accommodation Services

As a non-profit organization, ASYASS relies on government funding, philanthropic grants, and community donations to continue providing emergency accommodation and support services to homeless young people in Alice Springs. For over 30 years, ASYASS has been helping young people off the streets and onto a pathway to a brighter future, and community support makes this vital work possible.

Donations to ASYASS help fund:

• Accommodation costs including rent, utilities, and property maintenance
• Food and personal care items for young people in crisis
• Educational support and resources
• Recreational activities and cultural programs
• Case management and support staff
• Transport for young people to appointments and activities
• Furniture, bedding, and household items for accommodation properties

Every donation, regardless of size, makes a real difference in the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. Donations enable many young people in ASYASS programs to progress in life because of the help of kind individuals in the community.

To make a donation or learn more about supporting ASYASS, visit asyass.org.au/donate or contact the office at 08 8953 4200 or office@asyass.org.au.

ASYASS is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) under ABN 35451745525. For information about tax deductibility of donations, please contact ASYASS directly.

If you are a young person needing emergency accommodation in Alice Springs, youth crisis housing, or support services, contact ASYASS at 08 8953 4200. If you are experiencing an immediate crisis or are unsafe, you can also contact emergency services on 000 or the NT Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 019 116.