The new campaign by North East Support and Action for Youth was launched on Friday with 28 businesses already signed up.

NESAY chief executive Leah Waring said it followed on from a pledge of commitment developed three years ago to raise awareness of homelessness.

"Our plan is to extend the opportunity for other local businesses to become involved in Friends of NESAY," she said.

"The purpose of the 'No Swag Jar' is to raise awareness and funds for programs designed for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.

"It's more often couch surfing or sleeping in cars, and it's not OK people as young as 16 don't have somewhere to sleep."

Programs such as generalist counselling, family therapy, art therapy and Walk The Talk are hoped to benefit from money raised.

"The WTT program works with young males around identifying and managing strong emotion without the need of violence," Ms Waring said.

"We'd really like to be able to deliver that program."

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Ms Waring hopes to see more businesses become Friends of NESAY.

"We'd like to see the sticker in all businesses around Wangaratta," she said.

"We'll also support those friends with information, so that if they have someone come through who is experiencing homelessness or another issue, they will feel supported to respond and refer appropriately.

"We invite businesses to make contact with us if they're interested."