By Paul Hemsley
Continuing contributions from the State Government will fund a homeless shelter for men in Perth.
The State Government announced its partnership with St Vincent de Paul Society to build and run the ‘Acute Homeless Night Shelter’ for $5.4 million.
Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney said the State Government will provide $4 million for capital works and acquisition of land.
According to Ms McSweeney, an additional $1.4 million during a three-year period from 2012 will be provided to operate the shelter.
“This is a much needed shelter for Perth’s homeless, it will provide a roof over the heads of up to ten men a night and a safe place to sleep,” Ms McSweeney said.
Ms McSweeney said the government’s $68 million grant to the four year $135 million National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) was an additional contribution to fight homelessness in Western Australia.
City of Perth Chief Executive Officer Frank Edwards said the City has a community development officer who works closely with state agencies and local community organisations to provide support for the issue of homelessness in Perth.
Mr Edwards said it is too early to comment on the City's involvement because the project is led by State Government and the City will have a more active role if the site is chosen within the city's boundaries.
“If the site is chosen in the city's boundaries, we will work with State Government through the standard development application process,” Mr Edwards said.
Mr Edwards said there is a “chronic shortage” of emergency housing in Perth and council is working to help ease this shortage.
According to Mr Edwards, no location for the shelter has been finalised.
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