Broome housing helping people after rehabilitation

Successfully completing a three to six-month stint in drug and alcohol rehabilitation is hard work, but facing the prospect of homelessness when you're ready to leave can be harder.

A unique Western Australian housing program now sees people in the Kimberley getting back together with family and friends, after treatment and rehabilitation from alcohol and drug dependence.

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the first evaluation report of the Transitional Housing and Support Program, which provides short-term housing for people at risk of homelessness, showed the program was having a positive impact.

"According to the evaluation report nearly all the people who accessed this program either stopped or reduced their alcohol and other drug use, which is exactly the kind of result we are looking for," Mrs Morton said.

"These people are particularly vulnerable, and unless we can offer them a new start, these are the people we often see returning to the previous situations which led them to drug and alcohol use.  They are also the people we see return to treatment for persistent alcohol and other drug problems.

"It's great to be able to come back to Broome and speak to some of the people who have been through the program about their experiences, and how having a house and support makes such a difference.

"Ongoing assistance through regular contact with support workers and help with everyday tasks like budgeting, meal planning, and household routine, also improves people's emotional, physical and mental health outcomes."

Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation is the support provider contracted by the Drug and Alcohol Office to manage the three properties in the Kimberley, two in Broome and one in Derby.

Since commencing in May 2011, services to people living in the 15 houses State-wide have been managed by professional non-government alcohol and other drug agencies, through a pilot program jointly implemented by the Drug and Alcohol Office and the Department of Housing.

Clients must have successfully completed a three-six month drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.  They can include those with severe and long-term problematic alcohol and other drug use, a history of unsuccessful treatment, or clients who are at risk of homelessness.

In 2011-12, the State Government allocated $8.5million to purchase 15 houses throughout WA for the Transitional Housing and Support Program, with a further $1.5million over four years to provide support services for people living in the houses.

The evaluation report is available on the Drug and Alcohol Office website at: http://www.dao.health.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 6900