$24m boost to tackle homelessness

A hundred properties will be acquired to house rough sleepers in Perth and surrounds, as part of a $24 million package announced by the state government today.

The state government has committed $24.2 million to assist rough sleepers, including a $20.7 million investment with Housing Choices Western Australia to deliver 100 social homes in Perth, Peel and Bunbury.

The homes will be prioritised for people who have experienced prolonged homelessness, according to the state government announcement.

The state government plans to spot purchase 50 of the 100 properties while Housing Choices secure access to the rest.

Housing Choices will provide property and tenancy management for the 100 social homes through a supportive landlord model, which has been trialled in Bunbury.

Homelessness Minister John Carey said the reform package would assist rough sleepers as they transition from leaving the streets to moving into a home.

“Wrap-around supports for the 100 tenancies will be provided by leveraging existing support services provided through the Housing First Homelessness Initiative,” he said.

“Under the supportive landlord model, social outcomes will be prioritised over commercial objectives, with tenants linked to specific supports to assist with their individual needs.”

The reform package also includes $2.3 million to boost accommodation operated by St Bart’s, $540,000 to fund and improve data, and $706,000 to extend the Safe Perth City Initiative.

The $2.3 million funding will go towards St Bart’s expansion of existing homeless accommodation in Perth, adding 18 beds.

Responsibility of the By Name data, a list of every person experiencing homelessness that is updated regularly, will be transferred to the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness.

Perth Lord mayor Basil Zempilas said the city had been working with Mr Carey, particularly on homelessness services in Moore Street, the Safe Perth City Initiative and the city’s Safe Night Space.

“That collaboration continues, but I’m very pleased our advocacy in this space for the City has been noted and acted upon,” he said.

“At the Parliamentary Inquiry I asked the question, where can someone who is preparing to sleep on the streets tonight go?

“Today’s announcement provides a pathway for 118 of those rough sleepers. That’s an excellent outcome for our city and the right outcome for those people.”

Mr Carey said other reforms to boost accommodation option for rough sleepers were being looked at, as part of the state government’s $2.4 billion investment over four years.

“We're enhancing support networks, delivering more social housing stock, and boosting the availability of accommodation for people experiencing homelessness,” he said.