Warren Blackwood Emergency Accommodation Centre funding assistance

Under Western Australia's Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP), Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney today announced a one-off payment of $60,000 to the Warren Blackwood Emergency Accommodation Centre (WBEAC) in Manjimup.

Established in 1985 to consolidate a number of Commonwealth, State and Territory government programs, SAAP aims to provide temporary accommodation and related support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to help them become self reliant and independent.

"The funding available under SAAP will help the centre respond to increased community demand for accommodation, crisis counselling and family domestic violence assistance in the Shire of Manjimup," Mrs McSweeney said.

"I understand WBEAC is the only emergency accommodation for 150km with the closest centre being the South West Refuge in Bunbury which makes the funding allocation even more crucial.

"Since the centre opened in 2001, on average, 156 people have been accommodated for an average of two weeks, with 185 community members assisted with safety planning and crisis counselling."

Under the program, currently 136 services in WA made up of non-government, community and local government organisations receive more than $33million in funding annually.

"The funding will assist with the operational costs of running the centre over the next three years, commencing October 1 and should see it open and staffed five days a week for the community to access," the Minister said.

"At any one time, SAAP provides supported accommodation for up to 800 people across the State. I commend the centre for the important role it plays in supporting the needs of its community."