Two-thirds of homeless young Australians are unable to access housing services, leaving tens of thousands without stable shelter each year.
A new report from the Home Time Youth coalition reveals about 40,000 Australians aged 15 to 24 experience homelessness annually.
Just 3.1% of those young people are able to access long-term housing, while only 23.6% secure medium-term accommodation.
The majority remain homeless, with many turned away from services entirely without assistance.
The report identifies domestic violence as the leading cause of youth homelessness, linked to 83% of cases.
It warns that early experiences of homelessness sharply increase the risk of long-term or chronic homelessness later in life.
According to the findings, youth homelessness costs governments $626m each year in avoidable health and justice system expenses.
The report estimates that every dollar invested in youth housing delivers a $2.60 return in broader community benefit.
