Former Murray Hotel site to become supported accommodation for rough sleepers
West Perth’s former Murray Hotel is set to become supported accommodation for people sleeping rough or experiencing chronic homelessness.
The hotel was acquired by the Department of Communities in January for $5.15 million, as part of the State Government’s “All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030”, and major refurbishments and compliance works have almost been completed.
Providing 30 rooms (25 for singles, five for couples), each with their own ensuite bathroom, the service will be managed by Vinnies WA – with intake managed through a coordination group led by the Department of Communities in partnership with the WA Alliance to End Homelessness.
“We’re using every lever we can to boost social housing and deliver upon a range of key reforms to assist rough sleepers – including through this new supported accommodation service in West Perth,” explained Homelessness Minister John Carey.
“St Vincent de Paul will now run the facility, which has been transformed into a low barrier, supported accommodation for people sleeping rough. St Vincent de Paul WA is an inspirational organisation that has provided valuable community services in Western Australia since 1865.”
“Vinnies has proven success in operating low threshold services like Tom Fisher House in Perth, which is an intensive intervention night service for people experiencing long term homelessness with complex needs.”
Case management and individual support will be managed by existing Housing First service providers.
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The new rooms will complement existing supported accommodation options in the Perth CBD, which includes Northbridge’s Koort Boodja and Wellington Street’s Boorloo Bidee Mia. The latter opened in 2021 and is now operating at 92% occupancy.
“It’s acknowledged a number of our significant investments in homelessness – including Boorloo Bidee Mia, which is a low barrier facility that takes in some of the complex and vulnerable individuals of the State – have made a significant difference in the health outcomes and lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.”
“We have a clear focus to assist people sleeping rough and give them access to appropriate accommodation and intensive wrap-around supports to enable them to transition into long-term housing options.”
“We know that providing accommodation or a home to the most vulnerable members of our community is life changing.”
Header image credit: The Murray Hotel