More than $90 million will be injected into a program aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness.

The federal government funding, which will keep the existing nationwide program in operation, coincides with the official homelessness data collected during the last Census that will illustrate the scale of Australia’s homelessness problem.

A total of $91.7 million over three years will go to the community-based Reconnect program targeted towards young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Through the service, young people aged between 12 to 18 can access counselling, group work, mediation and specialised mental health services to strengthen ties with their families and community.

Minister for Homelessness Julie Collins said the breakdown of family relationships was a leading cause of youth homelessness.

“This funding will help combat youth homelessness and our hope is through this funding thousands of young people and their families will continue to benefit from improved family ties, engagement in education and employment, and enhanced community connections,” she said.

Ms Collins said the program was proven to deliver positive outcomes, including boosting school attendance rates.

Poppy Johnston
(Australian Associated Press)