New facility to help homeless in Geraldton

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

• ​$500,000 meets growing demand for crisis accommodation

Housing Minister Peter Tinley officially opened the Sun City Christian Centre in Geraldton today to assist local people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The crisis accommodation facility is managed and operated by service provider Sun City Care.

In 2014, the Department of Communities (then known as the Housing Authority), approved $500,000 under the Crisis Accommodation Program to build the 10-bedroom facility.  Practical completion occurred in May 2017.

The centre was built on land owned by Sun City Christian Centre, which obtained extra funding of $1.45 million from Lotterywest for the fit-out and construction.

The facility provides short-stay accommodation and support services for men, women and families experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Sun City also offers practical help to clients including food, clothing and furnishings; family and parenting support; pastoral care; advocacy; and referral services and life-skills development.

The Federal Government's Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations provides ongoing operational funding.

Comments attributed to Housing Minister Peter Tinley:

"The challenge of providing affordable housing is too big for government to solve on its own. The McGowan Government recognises the importance of developing innovative partnerships with the community sector to meet the challenge.

"One of the most important things any government can do is support people who are in need.

"There is a growing demand in Geraldton for crisis accommodation.  Sun City is helping meet this demand by providing accommodation for men, women and families who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

"Clients of this facility have access to a range of amenities and services including a community garden, sports, and training and work experience opportunities that can help them re-establish themselves in the community."