- Homelessness outreach in Kalgoorlie boosted by almost $2 million
- Bega Garnbirringu Health Services (Bega) will carry out a two-year pilot expansion to increase assertive outreach and casework for rough sleepers
- Focus on service integration with existing supports in the community across health, legal, and other supports
The Cook Labor Government continues to strengthen its homelessness reforms, today providing almost $2 million for service provision in Kalgoorlie.
Bega Garnbirringu Health Services (Bega) will use the funding to deliver a dedicated assertive outreach service, including brokerage to support and complement Return to Country approaches and an expanded scope for their existing case management service.
The Cook Government will trial a two-year pilot, introducing an enhanced outreach program and expanding current homelessness services through a case management focus.
This will deliver outreach that is integrated within the wider network of services available to the community across health, legal, and other supports.
This connection with other community services is essential to accelerate pathways out of homelessness.
The programs will have a key focus on supporting individuals to Return to Country and facilitate support for individuals to access the services they need.
Wrap-around case management support is a key factor for the implementation of Housing First principles, a core pillar of All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030.
This pilot will increase assertive outreach in Kalgoorlie and staff will engage people who are rough sleeping with appropriate services, including other programs and not-for-profit services.
Comments attributed to Homelessness Minister John Carey:
"I want to acknowledge Bega for partnering with the Cook Government to deliver this pilot expansion to deliver quality supported outreach for vulnerable members in our community.
"Nearly $2 million in new funding has now been allocated to deliver a two-year pilot program for expanded and extended assertive outreach services here in Kalgoorlie, which will assist people who are sleeping rough to connect with appropriate services and wrap-around supports.
"The Cook Labor Government has invested a record $3.2 billion in housing and homelessness measures since 2021-22.
"In 2024, the Cook Labor Government announced nearly $140 million in homelessness measures, including $70.2 million in the current State Budget to ensure continuation of more than 120 critical homelessness services across the State.
"We're also investing a further $15.7 million to expand Housing First Support Services (HFSS), which will support the establishment of HFSS in Albany, planning for Kalgoorlie, and expansion of existing services in Bunbury, Geraldton, and the Perth Metro area.
"This service has been critical in supporting rough sleepers into permanent accommodation and providing them with the case management and supports they need to sustain their tenancies."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"I have been working closely with Minister Carey and key stakeholders to boost housing supply and to provide assertive services to support people experiencing homelessness in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
"This is an important measure to support members of our community who may be experiencing homelessness.
"Ensuring a local service provides this assertive support is vital to our community.
"I'm proud to be part of the Cook Labor Government as we continue to provide assistance to the most vulnerable members of our community in the Goldfields."
