Housing Minister Troy Buswell today announced State Government funding of more than $22million for the creation of a major new facility in East Perth for the homeless.
The joint project with the Federal Government and Anglican not-for-profit organisation St Bartholomew’s House (St Bart’s) would see construction of the complex in Lime Street start early in 2010 for planned completion in 2012.
The Federal Government would contribute $7.3million and St Bart’s would contribute $1million to the project, which included 54 long-term accommodation units, 12 crisis units, 42 transitional lodging-house units and a 40-bed aged-care facility.
The land is owned by EPRA and will be leased to St Bart’s for 40 years.
“Today’s announcement will help the State Government achieve our goal to create 20,000 new affordable housing dwellings by 2020,” Mr Buswell said.
“We want to help people move out of homelessness and into housing - this is another step towards doing that.”
The Minister said the Department of Housing had worked successfully with St Bart’s since 1992 through its Community Housing programs.
“St Bart’s target people at greatest risk in the community, such as the aged, ill and homeless, showing them compassion and care and, most importantly, giving them a sense of hope for the future,” he said.
The East Perth complex will accommodate homeless men and be managed by St Bart’s, which has been awarded the status of Provisional Preferred Provider of social housing by the Department of Housing.
This recognises St Bart’s as having achieved standing in the 100 to 500 unit category of the community housing sector. As such, the not-for-profit organisation complies with the department’s stringent management and operating guidelines.
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