- Cook Government to provide up to $210,000 as an interim measure for Ruah to assist vulnerable women into other accommodation and supports
- State Government reaffirms its $3.1 million commitment to Ruah for Safe Night Space at James Street facility
- Uniting WA ‘s proposal being considered by Government
The Cook Government has announced it will provide up to $210,000 for accommodation and other supports for Ruah to continue to support vulnerable women in-need, while continuing to assess the Safe Night Space proposal from Uniting WA.
From experiences from both the homelessness sector and the Department of Communities it is unlikely that any external service provider would be able to get the Safe Night Space back up-and-running before the end of this year, particularly if they have to recruit staff or to undertake infrastructure fit-outs.
Therefore, this short-term, interim measure of up to $210,000 in funding will enable Ruah to continue to provide a range of critical services to support vulnerable women in-need including, providing accommodation, transport and basic needs including clothing and food.
As part of homelessness service agreements, discretionary brokerage funding is provided to service providers that includes the provision of crisis accommodation where needed. The State Government provides this brokerage funding for services to provide flexible support options, based on individual needs on a case-by-case basis.
As stated by Homelessness Minister John Carey:
“The State Government remains committed to funding $3.1 million to Ruah to continue the Safe Night Space at their James Street Facility and we are continuing to assess Uniting WA’s proposal for a Safe Night Space at their Tranby facility.
“Ruah developed the operating model of Safe Night Space and have the existing workforce experienced in supporting these women in need. All this would require is for the City of Perth to support an extension of hours at Ruah’s James Street facility.
“As a short-term interim measure, we are providing up to $210,000 to Ruah to ensure vulnerable women in-need are still able to have access to the supports they need.
“Women seeking assistance, who would have normally accessed the Safe Night Space, will from Monday, be able to visit the Ruah Centre on James Street where they will be able to seek support including accommodation, transport and basic needs, depending on their individual needs.”
