❓ Hon. Alison Xamon questions the Minister for Community Services regarding alternative housing options for rough sleepers after the 'Hotels with Heart' trial discontinuation and measures to protect them during increased COVID-19 transmission. The Minister responds with details of ongoing planning and funding.
AnsweredQoN 445Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CORONAVIRUS —
ROUGH SLEEPERS — HOTELS WITH HEART TRIAL
445. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Community Services:
I refer to the Hotels with Heart
trial.
(1) Given the
trial has been discontinued, what other options are currently being considered
to house rough sleepers in Perth?
(2) In the event
of increased community transmission of COVID-19, what measures will be put in
place to keep rough sleepers safe?
ROUGH SLEEPERS — HOTELS WITH HEART TRIAL
445. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Community Services:
I refer to the Hotels with Heart
trial.
(1) Given the
trial has been discontinued, what other options are currently being considered
to house rough sleepers in Perth?
(2) In the event
of increased community transmission of COVID-19, what measures will be put in
place to keep rough sleepers safe?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The
Hotels with Heart pilot was established as a four-week trial, with the Western Australian
government working collaboratively with community sector partners and Pan
Pacific Perth to provide rapid assistance to the most vulnerable members of the
community. It tested a new model that could be scaled up if community
transmission of COVID-19 became widespread and health
advice required rough sleepers to self-isolate
to avoid contracting the virus. The Department of Communities, in partnership
with community sector partners, is undertaking scenario planning to
ensure preparedness in the event of future community transmission, including
the identification of appropriate accommodation and supports. The Department of
Communities contributes more than $90 million towards homelessness services
each year, and continues to work with its community sector partners to identify
and service the needs of rough sleepers and
help people experiencing homelessness into long-term accommodation, consistent
with Communities' housing-first approach. In addition, the
McGowan government recently announced a $222 million housing and homelessness
stimulus package to increase housing supply and introduce new homelessness
support services and accommodation. The Department of Communities is
fast-tracking these projects where possible to ensure a swift delivery of
additional supports.
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The
Hotels with Heart pilot was established as a four-week trial, with the Western Australian
government working collaboratively with community sector partners and Pan
Pacific Perth to provide rapid assistance to the most vulnerable members of the
community. It tested a new model that could be scaled up if community
transmission of COVID-19 became widespread and health
advice required rough sleepers to self-isolate
to avoid contracting the virus. The Department of Communities, in partnership
with community sector partners, is undertaking scenario planning to
ensure preparedness in the event of future community transmission, including
the identification of appropriate accommodation and supports. The Department of
Communities contributes more than $90 million towards homelessness services
each year, and continues to work with its community sector partners to identify
and service the needs of rough sleepers and
help people experiencing homelessness into long-term accommodation, consistent
with Communities' housing-first approach. In addition, the
McGowan government recently announced a $222 million housing and homelessness
stimulus package to increase housing supply and introduce new homelessness
support services and accommodation. The Department of Communities is
fast-tracking these projects where possible to ensure a swift delivery of
additional supports.
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