Perth City Mission accommodation services

11/3/97

Perth City Mission has been guaranteed funding until mid-1998 to provide safe accommodation for homeless youth, families and single adults, Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker and Federal Family Services Minister Judi Moylan announced today.

This means the services can continue to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to move to affordable long term accommodation.

Family and Children's Services has granted annual funding of $392,281 under the joint Commonwealth/State Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP).

Perth City Mission's youth service will provide accommodation and support for homeless young people aged between 16 and 25 years.

The mission's family service will provide accommodation for families from a range of backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other ethnic backgrounds.

SAAP is a joint State and Commonwealth Government program which provides more than 100 accommodation and support services for homeless people throughout Western Australia.

"Families can find themselves without a home for many reasons, including unemployment, illness or personal crisis," Mrs Parker said.

"These services will provide a safe and supportive environment where people can develop their skills and gain access and referral to counselling and other agencies.

"It is important that young people without homes have access to safe, secure accommodation so they can concentrate on examining their situations and making informed decisions about the future," she said.

Mrs Moylan said the services provided valuable long term benefits for homeless people in the Perth region.

"It is very important to help people find stable accommodation and develop skills and knowledge so they can break the cycle of homelessness," she said.

"This funding demonstrates the Commonwealth and State Governments' commitment to strengthening families and provided support for homeless people of all ages."

Media contact: Kaye Hopkins 481 7810 or Sandi Logan on (06) 277 7240