City of Fremantle Council is set to appoint a Mental Health Outreach Officer to assist people experiencing homelessness.
The Council recently received a WA Government grant of $96,934 under the Local Government Partnership Fund for Homelessness.
It says the funding will be matched by Council and used to engage a Mental Health Outreach Officer, who will provide outreach and mental health intervention for people with complex health issues that are experiencing chronic homelessness and rough sleeping.
Fremantle Mayor, Hannah Fitzhardinge said the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted the critical role of housing and appropriate support services.
“The City of Fremantle works very closely with the state government and community service providers to provide support to homeless people, with the aim of assisting them to get off the streets and into permanent accommodation,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.
“The Local Government Partnership Fund for Homelessness is a new initiative from the state government to find new and proactive ways to respond to homelessness. It acknowledges that efforts to end homelessness need multiple approaches and solutions.
“As one of only two local governments in the state to receive this funding we will consult with a range of stakeholders, including the Police and St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, in developing the role.”
In addition to appointment of a Mental Health Outreach Officer, the Council has supported the My Home project in North Fremantle and Uniting WA’s Wyn Carr House project, which will both provide accommodation to older women.
“We’re also working with St Pats on their new Community Support Centre that includes 28 new long-stay apartments, and assisting with their management of the lodging house at 100 Hampton Road,” the Mayor said.
“In the past financial year, the City contributed almost half a million dollars towards homeless support services and programs, including the 20 Lives 20 Homes project, our award-winning Library Connect service and the Donate Without Doubt program.
