Murray Hotel purchased by McGowan govt to support the homeless in WA

Move will provide shelter for people sleeping rough in Perth

Murray Hotel purchased by McGowan govt to support the homeless in WA

News

By Mina Martin

As part of McGowan government's $2.4 billion investment in social housing and homelessness measures, a former hotel has been purchased for $5.15 million to provide supported accommodation services for people sleeping rough in the Perth CBD.

Recently operating as the Murray Hotel, the building at 718 Murray Street, West Perth will be leased to a community housing organisation to be transformed into supported accommodation to aid some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

The new service will provide 30 rooms to support people sleeping rough, and will mainly take in singles, and up to two to three couples, as part of a Housing First supported accommodation model.

“Our government is focused on delivering a Housing First approach that is evidence-based and provides tangible long-term outcomes,” Homelessness Minister John Carey said. “As a Housing First-supported accommodation service, this accommodation option will provide intensive wrap-around supports to help people who are sleeping rough access appropriate, longer-term housing.

“This is another major step forward in services for people experiencing homelessness in the Perth CBD and is all part of this government's $2.4 billion investment over four years to improve the quality and accessibility of social housing and homelessness measures across the state.”

The tender process is now open for a community housing organisation to provide supported property and tenancy services at the site. The preferred proponent will also work with existing Housing First service providers to provide individualised case management and support.

“We’re now calling on community housing organisations, through a request for tender, to provide supported accommodation services and I encourage those in the sector to apply through Tenders WA,” Carey said.

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