Major $92.2 million boost for critical homelessness services

• Cook Government provides $92.2 million funding boost for critical homelessness services
• More than 120 WA homelessness services providing accommodation services, engagement hubs, outreach services and specialist support to receive a share of funding
• Boost to Housing First Support Services, including expansion in Geraldton and Great Southern

The Cook Labor Government has committed $92.2 million in new funding for homelessness initiatives in the 2024-25 Budget, including funding to ensure the continuation of more than 120 critical homelessness services across Western Australia.

The funding will ensure existing homelessness services continue to deliver vital support for Western Australia's most vulnerable community members.

As part of this investment, more than 120 homelessness services will receive a share of $70.2 million to continue service delivery and meet demand. The funding boost represents an unprecedented increase to baseline funding of specialist homelessness services in WA.

This includes additional funding for accommodation services, engagement hubs, outreach services and specialist support services.

A further $15.7 million has been allocated to expand Housing First Support Services (HFSS), which are a key initiative under All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030.

The HFSS 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.

Demonstrating the effectiveness of the HFSS, Geraldton and Mandurah are two of three regions across Australia which have seen a measurable reduction in rough sleeping as part of the Advance to Zero Campaign.

The $15.7 million for expanding HFSS includes:

• $6.7 million to support an expansion of the HFSS in the metropolitan area to ensure greater access to support services for those who need it; and
• $9 million to expand the HFSS in Geraldton, establish it in Albany and undertake initial planning and service design of HFSS in Kalgoorlie, to support the rollout of the Regional Supportive Landlord Model.

An additional $6.3 million will be provided to significantly expand Entrypoint and other homelessness referral services to ensure that vulnerable Western Australians can be connected with services and accommodation available.

The new funding is in addition to the $47.6 million announced by the State Government in January 2024 to enable the continuation of 15 critical homelessness services and boost service capacity.

The combined funding will ensure vital services, accommodation and support is available for Western Australians experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness when they need it.

Comments attributed to Homelessness Minister John Carey:

"This significant increase in funding for homelessness services, totalling $92.2 million, by the Cook Government is an unprecedented investment.

"In the lead-up to the 2024-25 State Budget, the homelessness service sector called on the State Government to increase funding to maintain vital services - and our Government has responded with a $92.2 million investment - a massive increase to funding for specialist homelessness services throughout WA.

"Our Government has also invested a record $2.6 billion in social housing and homelessness measures in WA to deliver around 4,000 social dwellings, and undertake refurbishments and maintenance work to many thousands more.

"Since our record investment in social housing and homelessness measures, our Government has added more than 2,000 social homes, with a further 1,000 social homes under contract or construction.

"This additional $92.2 million in funding will help to continue the vital work of our service providers, who play an integral role in assisting people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness."