Wandjoo Bidi (former Murray Hotel) Supported Accommodation Service
Wandjoo Bidi translates to ‘Welcome Pathway’ in Noongar language. Wandjoo Bidi is a low barrier supported accommodation service managed by St Vincent de Paul WA Society Inc (Vinnies WA) - and funded by the Department of Communities (Communities) for people sleeping rough and experiencing homelessness in the Perth metropolitan area.
A former hotel on Murray Street, West Perth was purchased by Communities for $5.15 million to support people sleeping rough as part of a Housing First supported accommodation service. The building has undergone major refurbishments and compliance works undertaken by Kardan Construction, a Supply Nation certified Aboriginal business.
The $5.15 million investment guided by the All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030 confirms the State Government’s commitment to reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness.
Vinnies WA has been appointed to deliver Wandjoo bidi, a Housing First supported accommodation initiative. Vinnies WA is also supported by existing Housing First service providers to provide case management and support to individuals. The new service officially opened in September 2023 providing 30 rooms featuring individual ensuite bathrooms for up to 35 individuals and couples. The facility also includes an onsite kitchen, shared laundry room, and internal and external common areas. To meet the complex needs of vulnerable people, and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and residents, the intake of all residents is managed through a coordination group led by Communities in partnership with the WA Alliance to End Homelessness.
Go to Vinnies WA's Wandjoo Bidi website
Background
The acquisition of the 1,293 square metre Murray Hotel site increases the range and diversity of accommodation options in the homelessness response system for people experiencing rough sleeping and/or chronic homelessness in Western Australia.
Wandjoo Bidi is well located with access to public transport and services and amenities provided by the Perth central business district and surrounds, with a Yellow CAT bus stop situated directly outside the building and City West Train station within 600 metres.
This new facility complements current accommodation options in the Perth CBD for people who are rough sleeping including, Boorloo Bidee Mia in Wellington Street and Koort Boodja in Northbridge.
The acquisition of the Murray Street site is another major boost to the State Government’s homeless reforms and supports the $24.2 million Supportive Landlord package, which included $20.7 million to provide 100 homes for people sleeping rough.
