Nearly $60 million to help WA’s homeless

Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Scott Morrison today visited Foyer Oxford, one of 22 projects the Western Australian government has agreed to fund as part of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH).

“Western Australia was the first state to sign the new agreement and they will continue to deliver nearly $60 million to frontline services to help women and children experiencing domestic and family violence and homeless youth,” Minister Morrison said.

“The new NPAH recognises that domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness, and that women, children and young people are particularly vulnerable.

“Under the NPAH, Foyer Oxford will receive joint funding from the Commonwealth and Western Australian governments to provide young homeless people in Perth with accommodation, support to pursue education, training and employment.

“This accommodation is available to 98 young people between the ages of 16 and 25, including 24 young parents and their children and supports young people leaving the child protection system. Foyer Oxford is delivered by a consortium comprised of Anglicare WA, Foundation Housing and the Central Institute of Technology.

“Other initiatives being funded under the NPAH in Western Australia include Family and Domestic Violence Accommodation and Support Services, housing support for people with mental health issues and a Homeless Accommodation Support Worker programme.

“I would also like to commend the Western Australian government for providing 20,000 affordable homes ahead of schedule and further committing to deliver 30,000 affordable homes by 2020. This demonstrates the state government’s commitment to supporting those most in need.

“Projects like these play a crucial role in addressing homelessness and I encourage the remaining states to join in signing the NPAH agreement to ensure homelessness assistance for their communities is not delayed,” Minister Morrison said.

The Australian Government has committed $230 million to the NPAH over two years, to be matched by states and territories.

“Longer-term funding arrangements and the respective roles of the Commonwealth and state and territory governments in housing assistance and homelessness services will be considered in the context of the Government’s White Paper on reform of the Federation,” Minister Morrison said.

For more information on the NPAH visit: www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/housing-support