What is YHARS?

Life Without Barriers delivers the Youth Housing and Reintegration Service (YHARS) in Toowoomba.

We support young people aged 12 to 21 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to find safe, stable housing—and build the skills needed to live independently.

Our experienced Case Managers provide personalised support and know the local housing system inside out.

What support does YHARS provide?

We can support you to:

  • Apply for and access short or long-term accommodation

  • Reconnect with family or carers (if safe and appropriate)

  • Build the life skills needed to keep a tenancy (like budgeting and cleaning)

  • Access financial help to cover essential housing costs

We can also help you to get connected to other services, like: 

  • Mental health, GP or AOD (alcohol and other drugs) support 

  • Legal assistance 

  • Disability services 

  • Cultural programs

Financial support (brokerage) 

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of extra help to keep a safe roof over your head. If you're eligible, we can chip in to cover some of the practical costs that make a difference, like: 

  • rent arrears or utility bills 

  • bond or initial rent 

  • household items like a bed, fridge, or hygiene essentials 

  • important documents (e.g. ID, birth certificate) 

  • course fees or work-related expenses (like licences or uniforms) 

  • specialist services (e.g. counselling or medical). 

Am I eligible? 

You may be eligible for support if you are aged 12–21 and: 

  • are exiting and/or have exited care under a child protection order 

  • are leaving a Youth Detention Centre (sentence and/or remand) 

  • have been couch surfing, sleeping rough, or living in unstable or unsafe housing. 

How to get in touch

You can contact the YHARS team directly or ask someone to refer you, like: 

  • a parent or caregiver

  • a Child Safety or Youth Justice worker 

  • a teacher, support worker or community organisation 

Toowoomba Office