Illawarra Youth Housing - The Philosophy 1985 -2014
We believe that young people in general, and homeless young people in particular, are without effective economic, legal, social and political power within our society. Their lives often reflect an alienation from the structures and norms that bind society together. In many ways they have been betrayed or abandoned by the social contract under wh
ich we live. The primary purpose for the Company's existence is to attempt to address these issues and ameliorate the suffering so engendered for these young people. In pursuing our purpose the Company seeks to promote a particular kind of environment and values in the provision of its service. We seek to foster an environment that promotes co-operation, caring and trust and the opportunity for young people to experience their value as unique persons thereby empowering them to take responsibility for their own lives and disengage their own sense of worth from the destructive and alienating systems which have shaped their lives. This requires of the service a non judgmental, supportive and flexible engagement with those young persons and their families who come into our care where the experience of personal efficacy and choice is highlighted. We believe that housing is a basic right of the members of any society. Consequently we aim towards enabling young people to gain access to secure, affordable and independent housing. This is done through advocating for young people both on a personal basis and in relation to social systems and in the provision of direct housing services. Where appropriate we offer support in order to enable young people to develop the skills necessary for the transition to full independent living. In the provision of our direct services we aim to be as far removed from an institutional setting as possible. It is our belief that non-institutional settings are more likely to enhance the sense of self efficacy, self worth and independence that we seek to foster in our clientele.
