St Bart’s CEO John Berger, who accepted the cheque today, said women in this age group were at significant risk of homelessness when faced with a crisis.
‘It’s responding to the curve ball they have been thrown,’ Mr Berger said.
‘Statistics show the quicker they are re-housed, the faster they can gain control of their lives again.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘This funding from Lotterywest is invaluable; they too have recognised that there is just no support for this age group at present.’
Permanent resident Anne Haywood (68) became homeless after a relative accumulated debt in her name, which forced her onto the streets for about two months.
‘St Bart’s have helped me so much ” if wasn’t for them I would be on the streets, where I got sick last time,’ Ms Haywood said.
‘Since July last year, I now have a permanent, safe and happy home.
‘This grant means a lot ” there are so many older women on the streets and elderly couples; there is just no place for them.
Perth MLA Eleni Evangel attended the cheque presentation and said it would help fund the refurbishment of 36 apartments.
‘I could not even begin to imagine what it would be like to be faced with homelessness,’ she said.
The second stage of the $15 million St Bart’s redevelopment will include 72 new studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with disability access for single parents, families, couples and elderly West Australians at serious risk of, or are already experiencing homelessness.
Donate at www.stbarts.org.au.