Hon Colin Barnett MEc MLA,Hon Helen Morton MLC — Works start on safe haven for city’s homeless

Work has commenced on a new homeless shelter in Highgate which will provide overnight accommodation for up to 10 chronically homeless men and couples.

Premier Colin Barnett and Child Protection Minister Helen Morton launched the pre-construction works at an official soil-turning ceremony this morning. Mr Barnett said the initiative was a collaborative partnership between the State Government and St Vincent de Paul Society.

“The State Government is proud to support the building of a new $4million homeless shelter in Perth. It is reflective of our commitment to working with the not-for-profit sector to improve support services to vulnerable West Australians,” Mr Barnett said.

“As St Vincent de Paul’s longest serving volunteer, it is fitting that Tom Fisher should be giving his name to this shelter, which will continue offering the same compassion, support and hope he has offered to so many during his time with the charity.”

The Premier said the project had its genesis in a meeting he had with the Heads of Churches in late 2010 where the issue of homelessness was raised.

“I would like to particularly acknowledge the then Archbishop Barry Hickey who worked with St Vincent de Paul and the State Government to pursue this proposal,” he said.

The Department of Housing has contributed $4million towards purchasing the land and capital works. In addition, the Department for Child Protection and Family Support will fund the operations of the shelter, with investment of $1.4million over the next three years. St Vincent de Paul will operate the shelter.

Mrs Morton said Tom Fisher House would provide safe and secure accommodation to people who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets.

“Tom Fisher House will offer overnight accommodation and link those using the shelter to other support services as required. It will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team with health, mental health and drug and alcohol skills to assist visitors and support their move away from the cycle of homelessness,” she said.

The announcement follows Homeless Person’s Week, which saw activities across Australia to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those who do not have a permanent home.

In the past 12 months, the State Government has opened 107 new beds for homeless people, including Beacon (a shelter for men), Foyer Oxford (for young people aged 16-25), Busselton Women’s Refuge and an interim Tom Fisher House Night Shelter (for men over 18 years old).

In addition the Derby Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation Service, with up to 54 places, is nearing completion and planning is under way for a new refuge for women and children in the Ellenbrook area.