Djuripiny Mia partnership delivering life-changing outcomes for rough sleepers

• Supportive landlord model to deliver 100 homes for rough sleepers in Perth, Peel and Bunbury
• Funded through Cook Government's $24.2 million homelessness reforms to support rough sleepers
• 58 of 100 total properties now added to the program, with 55 people accommodated and currently receiving wraparound supports

A landmark partnership between the Cook Government and Housing Choices, is already delivering positive outcomes for rough sleepers on its path to deliver 100 homes for vulnerable and complex people experiencing homelessness in Western Australia.

The pilot Djuripiny Mia program, is part of the Cook Government's $24.2 million package of homelessness reforms, announced in late 2022 to support rough sleepers.

Based on the Supportive Landlord Model (SLM), the program has already met 58 of the target 100 properties, ahead of schedule and is assisting 55 people, with accommodation and wrap-around services in the Perth, Peel and Bunbury regions.

The SLM assists people with complex needs, and was successfully piloted for people sleeping rough in Bunbury.

The SLM approach is being expanded regionally, with $49 million committed to deliver 100 homes in selected regional locations, managed by community housing providers and combined with support services.

The State Government is committed to improving coordination and delivery of homelessness services, underpinned by effective implementation of All Paths Lead to Home: Western Australia's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030.

Comments attributed to Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey:

"The Supportive Landlord Model - Djuripiny Mia - is one of our homelessness reforms that is delivering upon the evidence-based Housing First Approach, by providing accommodation and intensive wrap-around supports to rough sleepers across the Perth, Peel and Bunbury regions.

"I want to acknowledge the brilliant work of Housing Choices, who in partnership with our Government, is providing accommodation and vital support services to assist rough sleepers.

"The 100 homes being acquired for the Djuripiny Mia program will be prioritised for people who have experienced chronic rough sleeping and are suitable for this model of support.

"The State Government is committed to supporting new initiatives that can strengthen the capacity of the community services sector and expand the quality of service delivery to assist those experiencing rough sleeping or homelessness."

Comments attributed to Housing Choices Western Australia General Manager Natalie Sangalli:

"We know homelessness can happen to anyone, however, there are solutions.  

"One of these is the Supportive Landlord Model (SLM), developed by the community housing sector, that complements the Housing First approach.

"We commend the WA Government for committing funding to this program, by providing 100 homes to people who have experienced long-term homelessness and need the extra support this model provides to sustain their tenancies and create a home for themselves.  

"It is only through this collaborative approach, we are going to see long-term improvements."