Youth off the Streets

Youth Off The Streets is an Christian community organisation working for young people who are homeless, drug dependent and recovering from abuse. Youth Off The Streets supports these young people as they work to turn their lives around and overcome immense personal traumas such as neglect and physical, psychological and emotional abuse.

The organisation was started in 1991 by Father Chris Riley. Youth Off The Streets has grown from a single food van delivering meals to young homeless people on the streets of Kings Cross, New South Wales to a major agency providing a wide range of services to youth.

Youth Off The Streets has helped more than 70,000 people with less than half of its funding coming from government sources. It employs more than 150 people and has more than 320 volunteers.

It provides crisis care for young people still living on the streets with a food van, youth refuge and outreach programs. It also operates an innovative drug and alcohol program specifically designed for young people. Accredited independent high schools in Surry Hills, the Southern Highlands and Merrylands provide educational opportunities and support for young people living on the streets or who are unable to attend mainstream high schools. Many of these young people go on to achieve their High School Certificate.

Youth Off The Streets patrons are the former Governor General of Australia, Sir William Deane and Lady Helen Deane.

YOTS provides crisis accommodation for homeless youth at Don Bosco Home, a youth refuge in Marrickville, Sydney. The program operates as part of the Inner West Youth Homelessness Services.

In April 1995 Father Riley started a detox centre named the Dunlea Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program.

On 21 October 1995, NSW Premier Bob Carr opened the Better Homes Farm – a Youth facility in Canyonleigh, NSW. The farm provides a place for kids who graduate from the Don Bosco House in Marrickville.

In 1997, Father Riley opened Key College, another independent high school to help young people living on the streets and in temporary accommodation return to school.

Medium to long-term residential rehabilitation programs, located in the Southern Highlands and the Hunter Valley, provide support for young people who have made the commitment to living a drug and crime free lifestyle. They attend school as well as receive counselling, life skills and vocational training.

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