Rockingham crisis facility supports homeless youth

• ​New facility providing vital accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness
• Facility built by the Housing Authority with annual funding provided by Department of Child Protection and Family Support

A new Rockingham facility operated by Anglicare WA on behalf of the State Government is providing vital accommodation, support and guidance for young people at risk of homelessness.

Housing Minister Peter Tinley said that the new Y-Shac, which was officially opened today (May 15) by Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia, was built by the Housing Authority on State Government land at a total cost of $1.73 million.

The new property in Jecks Street, Rockingham, replaces an older facility that has helped hundreds of young people since the 1980s.

It offers seven bedrooms and two transitional units as well as administrative offices, kitchens, bathrooms and living areas.

The facility is conveniently located in the heart of the Rockingham community, close to public transport and employment and educational opportunities.

Construction commenced in April 2015 and the facility has been operating since August 2016.

Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk said the Department for Child Protection and Family Support and the Mental Health Commission provided annual funding of more than $1 million to Anglicare WA to fund the Y-Shac program.

Comments attributed to Housing Minister Peter Tinley:

"Y-Shac supports young people aged 15-20, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with crisis accommodation and young people aged 16-25 in transitional housing.
"These young people may be escaping an unstable home life, family or relationship breakdown, eviction, exposure to crime, drugs and violence or dealing with complex mental health issues.
"They are greatly in need of a safe space that provides them with stability, guidance and access to agencies that can provide a range of support services."
Comment attributed to Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk:
"The new Y-Shac is an exceptional facility where young people receive the guidance they need to reach their potential in life and help break the homelessness cycle."