The new funding will allow Anglicare to expand its services to include early intervention for 12 to 18 year olds who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and support for 12 to 21 year olds who have arrived in Australia in the previous five years.
Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek said around 250 young people in the area are expected to benefit from Reconnect each year.
“Around Australia the government is investing $48 million in the Reconnect program to continue to support young people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.
“Reconnect helps young people stabilise their lives by encouraging them to re-engage with their family and the community, and gets them involved in education, training and employment,” Plibersek said.
Member for Parramatta Julie Owens said “I am delighted that the government is funding Reconnect programs in Western Sydney to ensure that young people have the support they need to prevent them from becoming homeless.”
Anglicare currently provides young people between 12 and 25 with crisis accommodation, counselling, family mediation, and help with employment, education, and income assistance.