Pilot program to deliver supported accommodation to vulnerable people in Albany

• Pilot program to deliver supported accommodation to tackle homelessness in Albany
• Change of land use approved for disused holiday site
• Cook Government investing $700,000 to support the project

The Cook Labor Government is partnering with local organisations to support a community-led pilot program to assist people experiencing homelessness in Albany.

The Albany In-Reach Supported Accommodation Service will use former holiday homes to provide five units of accommodation for vulnerable individuals, couples and families experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness in the Great Southern.

The initiative has been developed in partnership with:

• Anglicare;
• Advance Housing;
• The Country Women's Association of WA; and
• Albany Community Foundation.

The Cook Government is investing $700,000 to support Anglicare WA in providing intensive wraparound support services for people accommodated at the service, in preparation for seeking longer term tenancies either in community housing, public housing, or the private rental market. 

The investment is part of the broader $15.7 million to expand Housing First Support Services across Western Australia announced earlier this year as part of the 2024-25 State Budget.

The new accommodation service will operate out of old holiday homes that were built in the 1930s.

The initiative has been made possible through Lands Minister John Carey approving the change of use for the properties under the Land Administration Act 1997.

The Albany In-Reach Supported Accommodation Service aligns with the Housing First Approach, which prioritises getting vulnerable people housed and then focusing on the necessary support services. 

The Housing First Approach is a key priority of the State Government as outlined in All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030.  

Comments attributed to Lands, Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey:

"The Cook Government is doing everything we can to boost the supply of housing throughout Western Australia - including across our regions.

"We're investing a record $3.2 billion in housing and homelessness and we're using every lever we can to bolster housing supply - including working with local community organisations to boost housing supply and to support our most vulnerable members of the community.

"I want to acknowledge the local organisations for their collaborative efforts in achieving this outcome which will support vulnerable Western Australians."

Comments attributed to Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:

"This change in use of the site will allow a local consortium consisting of the Country Women's Association WA Albany, Albany Community Foundation, Advance Housing and Anglicare to provide the care and support to those who need it most in our community.

"I want to acknowledge Minister Carey and our local community groups for working together to achieve this great outcome for the Albany electorate."

Comments attributed to Anglicare WA chief executive officer Mark Glasson: 

"Anglicare WA is very pleased to have the opportunity to deliver this new, innovative accommodation solution for Albany in collaboration with our valued partners.

"We look forward to improving outcomes with those experiencing homelessness in obtaining safe, stable accommodation in the region."