Father Chris Riley, Youth Off The Streets.
Renowned Sydney priest Father Chris Riley has died aged 70 following a long period of illness.
Father Riley was a visionary leader whose work changed the lives of thousands of young people across NSW.
In 1991, Father Riley established the charity Youth Off The Streets to help young people experiencing homelessness.
The charity began as a single food van in Sydney’s inner city providing free meals to young people in need.
Under Father Riley’s leadership, the charity has grown to a staff of 220 who work with young people aged 12-14 in NSW and Queensland.
The non-for-profit provides wraparound support services including crisis accommodation, education pathways and cultural and wellbeing support for young First Nations people.
In a statement, Anne Fitzgerald, Chairperson of Youth Off The Streets, said that Father Riley was “a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives.”
