The City of Perth's first Safe Night Space is set to open next week, following a significant design and refit of the City owned building.
The City of Perth's first Safe Night Space is set to open next week, following a significant design and refit of the City owned building.
The women's only Safe Night Space is the first of its kind in Perth and will provide a centre for women to rest, access basic facilities, seek support and connect to other services in a safe and secure environment at night.
The Safe Night Space will be open and available to women every night from 7pm to 7am.
Ruah Community Services will manage the service delivery for the full two-year trial. This includes supporting referral pathways to support long term, sustainable opportunities for those accessing the service.
Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said that the opening of the first Safe Night Space by the City of Perth offers a significant interim solution that helps the most vulnerable people in our community.
"While the responsibility for funding homeless services is primarily that of the State and Federal Governments, the City of Perth understands the immediate need in our community to provide basic shelter and safety to women who are sleeping rough.
"We have committed a significant investment to bring this first Safe Night Space to fruition and are proud to offer this vital service to our community.
"A key focus of our Council is to make Perth safe for everyone in our community. The opening of the Safe Night Space today marks another milestone in our Safe City strategy, which so far incorporates initiatives such as the trial of free parking for Police in Northbridge, the opening of a Safe Shelter for men at Citiplace and the Rooforce assertive outreach service across the city," Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said.
Ruah Chief Operating Officer Mark Slattery said they were really pleased to be working with the City of Perth to deliver the first Safe Night Space for women in Perth.
"This will be a place where women experiencing homelessness will have access to basic kitchen and laundry facilities, toilets and an emergency shower, a tv area, and separate spaces for quiet conversation," Mr Slattery said
"We will provide shelter and safety, and that will decrease the risk of further trauma that may be experienced with sleeping rough."
Each night 30 women will be able to stay at the Safe Night Space. Admission will operate on an 80% referral and 20% self-presentation basis.
Ruah Community Services will manage the referral process through the homeless engagement hubs, the WA Police and Royal Perth Hospital.
