Homelessness

Homelessness is a complex issue, resulting from a variety of personal and societal factors. Structural factors such as poverty, unemployment and an inadequate supply of affordable housing are major contributors to homelessness in Australia. Personal circumstances such as discrimination, poor physical or mental health, intellectual disability, drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, family and relationship breakdown, domestic violence, and physical and sexual abuse may increase a person's risk of becoming or remaining homeless.

People experiencing homelessness may access a wide range of government services provided for the broader community. These include general health services, particularly drug rehabilitation programs, general community services and housing assistance. There are also programs specifically for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, such as the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP), which is the major government response to Homelessness. Other government programs include the Crisis Accommodation Program (CAP) (see the Housing Assistance Unit) and Reconnect, which is an early intervention program for young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. More information about Reconnect can be found at the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs(FaHCSIA) website.