Because this info is constantly changing the most up to date web site is www.yaa.com.au they have a lists of all the refuges and they can help you find a place or call them 1800 424 830.

You can call the Homeless Persons
1800 234 566 or after 5pm 1800 152 152

Bowral Youth Refuge is for both males and females aged 15 to 18 years. They offer 24 hour 7 day supervised accommodation for up to 3 months you can find out if they have any vacancies through the Homeless persons number or call 4861 3400

Wollongong Youth Refuge: 4228 1946

Vinnies Youth Housing provides medium to long term shared accommodation for single males and females aged 16- to 21 and sole parents up to 24 years of age in the Macarthur and Wollondilly Area. Further information can be provided by contacting the service on 4677 2186 or email admin@vinniesyouthhousing.ngo.org.au

Illawarra Youth Housing who help with medium term accommodation
4227 1266

There are many different reasons to leave home. The most important things if your moving is to make sure that your safe. If you are thinking of moving out check out www.reachout.com.au they have some good info on leaving home.

The first thing to do if your planning to rent is work out all the costs involved

Lease Agreements: this wont cost you money, but if your under 18 you may not be able to sign it because it’s a legal document, basically it is a legal contract that says you will pay your rent on time and look after the property and that the landlord or real estate will fix anything that stops working properly. Always read the lease before you sign it and if you don’t understand the conditions ask the real estate. A lease agreement can be for 3, 6 or 12 months. For more info go to www.moneystuff.net.au

$$ Bond: This can be 4 (unfurnished) X weekly rent or 6 (furnished) X the weekly rent it is paid to the rental bond board as security in case there is any damage to the property or the rent isn’t paid. You can contact the Department of Housing they might be able to help with some of the bond money www.housing.nsw.gov.au contact your local youth centre they should be able to give you more info on places that can help out with bond money.

$$ Weekly Rent: Even if your sharing there might be some weeks when your mates can’t pay their share & the rent still has to get paid. Try not to get behind because its really hard to try & catch up.

$$ Electricity or Gas: There is a connection fee involved and the amount depends on which company you connect with, if you need to connect both electricity & gas.

$$ Appliances: Will you need a fridge, washing machine, T.V, Stereo? How much your bill will be can depend on how old your stuff is, generally the older it is the more it will cost to run

$$ Phone: Will you need a land line? Will you still have $$ for your mobile?

$$ Food: This could be more expensive than you think. If your sharing how will the cost of food be shared, if you all buy separately how will you keep the food separate?

$$ Car: Have you got a car? Make sure that you budget for it, petrol, rego, maintenance

You can also contact the Tenants Union on
www.tenants.org.au

Other links that might be helpful
www.communityhousing.org.au
www.youth.nsw.gov.au

Another helpful website for working out your budget is www.moneyminded.com.au/tools/default.asp