THE Liberals’ Nicole Lawder says too many young people in the Canberra community are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.

Today is ‘Youth Homelessness Matters Day’ which aims to increase awareness and support for young people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

“Young people who experience homelessness are more likely to experience persistent homelessness when they’re adults. They’re also more likely to disengage with education and employment,” Nicole said.

“This is why it’s so important to focus resources and services for young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to get them into stable and secure accommodation.

“Some of the most common reasons for young people experiencing homelessness are housing crisis, domestic and family violence and relationship/family breakdown.

“There are also a number of structural factors which contribute including poverty, social inequality and youth unemployment.

“Youth Homelessness Matters Day is a timely reminder that many young people in our community are genuinely doing it tough. There needs to be a concerted government focus on reducing youth homelessness in Canberra,” Ms Lawder concluded.