Father Riley praises Miley Cyrus for highlighting homeless plight

Youth Off The Streets founder Father Chris Riley has praised US pop star Miley Cyrus for highlighting the plight of homeless kids.

Cyrus sent Jesse Helt on to the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards in LA on Monday to accept the Video Of The Year award on her behalf.

Mr Helt told millions of watchers that he was accepting Cyrus' award to raise awareness about displaced youngsters across the US.

"I am accepting this award on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth in the United States who are starving and lost and scared for their lives. I know because I am one of those people," he said.

It's since come to light that Helt has a loving home to go to in Oregon where he is also wanted by the police for breaking a probation violation. The Daily Mail has also reported his mother said he left home to become a model in LA.

But Sydney-based Father Riley says it doesn't matter that Mr Helt isn't truly homeless.

"I am all in favour of it and it doesn't matter to me," Father Chris told AAP.

"Anything that puts a focus on it is worthwhile.

"(Homelessness) is far too hidden and not well known ... and this is one way to get exposure."

One social worker estimated there are several hundred homeless youth in Sydney who either couch surf or sleep on the streets each night.

Youth Off The Streets primarily assists homeless young people aged between 12-21 to turn their lives around and overcome personal traumas such as neglect and physical, psychological and emotional abuse.