New funding opens 25 beds for inner city homeless

Friday, 20 January 2017
 
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• Northbridge homelessness facility receives more funding to operate beds
• $750,000 over three years to open 25 new beds at The Beacon 

An inner city homeless shelter that provides accommodation for homeless men, women and couples has received additional funding to open 25 more beds.

Premier Colin Barnett announced today that the Salvation Army would receive $250,000 a year for the next three years to open the additional beds in its The Beacon facility in Northbridge.

"The State Government already provides funding to operate 77 beds at the facility, and will now provide the funding for 25 more beds," Mr Barnett said.

"This important inner city facility also provides a number of support services to help the homeless address issues, such as mental health concerns and drug and alcohol dependencies, and to transition to independence."

Acting Child Protection Minister Joe Francis said over the past few years, the State Government had made significant investment to increase the number of crisis beds in the Perth metropolitan area to meet the growing demand.

"What's important is that these services, like The Beacon, offer support and access to programs and services that help the vulnerable break the cycle of homelessness," Mr Francis said.

Individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness should contact Entrypoint Perth on 6496 0001 or 1800 124 684, or Crisis Care after hours on 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008 (country free call).

Fact File

• In 2016-17, the Department for Child Protection and Family Support will provide $1.265 million to the Salvation Army to deliver accommodation and support services at The Beacon facility for people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness
• The Beacon opened in February 2014, initially providing accommodation and support to single men
• The construction of The Beacon facility cost $22.5 million with funds provided through the Housing Authority, the Salvation Army and Lotterywest
• The Beacon facility replaced the Lentara and Tanderra hostels