WA Labor to boost critical services for Bunbury rough sleepers

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will invest $3.1 million to boost delivery of critical homelessness services supporting vulnerable rough sleepers in Bunbury.
  • Re-elected Cook Labor Government to fund $3.1 million expansion of the Housing First Support Services in Bunbury and surrounding areas
  • Proven service supports rough sleepers to find and maintain suitable accommodation
  • Only WA Labor committed to meeting demand for homelessness services in the region

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will invest $3.1 million to boost delivery of critical homelessness services supporting vulnerable rough sleepers in Bunbury.

WA Labor’s expansion of the successful Housing First Homelessness Services will increase the service’s capacity in Bunbury to support additional individuals using the supported landlord model at any one time.

Services will also be provided in the areas surrounding Bunbury to ensure greater access for those who need it.

By working with a Housing First System Coordinator and other community services, the program helps rough sleepers into appropriate accommodation and housing. It then puts the necessary supports in place to help them sustain their tenancies and not cycle back into homelessness.

To date, the Housing First Support Service has been successful at reducing homelessness and rough sleeping, including through our pilot Djuripiny Mia program, which is supporting more than 180 rough sleepers who are accommodated in the South West, Peel and Perth.

The expansion builds on the Cook Labor Government’s significant investment in specialist homelessness support services throughout the South West region, with more than $4.8 million already provided this financial year.

Comments attributed to Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey:

“One of the key reasons for this model’s success is clients are supported as long as required to get them to the point where they can maintain their tenancy."

“We know there is more demand for services in the Bunbury region, which is why we are expanding the Housing First Support Services to continue the Cook Labor Government’s record investment in housing and homelessness services.”

Comments attributed to Bunbury MLA Don Punch:

“This commitment will ensure more people sleeping rough in Bunbury and surrounding areas are assisted to find and maintain suitable accommodation and housing."

“Only a re-elected Cook Labor Government can be trusted to deliver the vital supports Bunbury’s most vulnerable residents need to not only be able to get into a home, but stay in one.”

Back to media