Young families and vulnerable people set to benefit from MercyCare funding boost

An increase in funding from the WA State Government will mean greater resources and support for people at risk of homelessness and young parents.

The WA State Government recently increased funding to two essential MercyCare homelessness programs, the MercyCare Coolock Young Parents Accommodation and Housing Support Service.

The funding boost will allow us to support more young families, as well as individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. General Manager of Youth, Wellbeing and Accommodation, Suzanne Caren, says the funding is an opportunity to further enhance vital community services.

“Through ongoing collaboration with stakeholders and continued advocacy for systemic change, these programs are poised to continue making strides in combating homelessness and fostering brighter futures for those in need,” she said.

Here’s more on how funding will be used to support young parents, children and vulnerable people in WA.

 

Baby Welcome Packs for new parents

A new initiative aimed at easing the transition for families in crisis is set to be launched as part of the Coolock Young Parents Accommodation Service. Young parents entering the program will now receive Baby Welcome Packs, which include a bundle of essential items that support the care and well-being of new bubs.

Baby Welcome Packs serve as a symbol of hope and support during challenging times, while making sure young parents have the essentials they need to care for their newborn babies.

Rebuilding the lives of young families

As part of the funding boost, parents who are leaving the Coolock Young Parents Accommodation Service will be able to take essential furniture with them, to help them smoothly transition into secure, long-term housing.

Parents will have access to cribs, changing tables, couches, kitchen utensils and other items, so they can rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. This initiative aims to combat the high cost of living pressures faced by many families in WA, while empowering young parents to create a stable and nurturing environment for their children.

Rent and bond support

The Housing Support Service can now offer greater financial assistance and support for individuals looking to secure a tenancy or maintain their existing one. Suzanne says this support includes assistance with paying rent and bond, and funding for home essentials

“This vital aid not only addresses immediate housing needs but also equips individuals with the resources and skills necessary to maintain long-term housing stability,” she said.

Individualised care

As part of the Housing Support Service, we are now able to provide more personalised support to individuals and families. This tailored support includes financial literacy workshops, rental assistance, vocational training, as well as other tools that empower people to thrive independently.

We believe that a personalised approach, based on the unique circumstances and aspirations of each person, strengthens self-sufficiency and helps to break the cycle of homelessness.

Empowering vulnerable people

These major improvements to our homelessness programs are designed to address the root cause of homelessness, with tangible support that nurtures inclusivity and resilience in our community.

Suzanne says the funding boost is due to the hard work of key service providers.

“The funding increases are welcomed and are thanks to the ongoing advocacy of sector Peaks and Homelessness service providers who have continuously sought to advocate for adequate funding of these essential and pivotal community services,” she said.

“We acknowledge that the funding increases are not the solution to the issues faced by Homelessness providers across the state but they are a step in the right direction.”

Need support?

If you’d like more information about our homelessness programs, or need support with accessing our services, please get in touch. We support families and communities all over Western Australia, with services that make a positive difference to their lives.

Head here to discover more about how we do this.