NORTHBRIDGE’s Beacon facility for the homeless will be able to accommodate 25 more beds thanks to a $750,000 funding boost.
The funding, committed for the next three years, was announced this morning at the Salvation Army facility.
Premier Colin Barnett said today that the State Government already funds the operation of 77 beds at The Beacon, and the new funding will boost the shelter’s capacity to 102.
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READ NOW“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,” he said.
Acting Child Protection Minister Joe Francis said “over the past few years”, the 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).
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.