- Cook Labor Government is supporting Uniting WA and Mission Australia with two Lotterywest grants totalling almost $1.4 million to provide emergency relief
- Grants will support Uniting WA and Mission Australia to assist with crisis and emergency relief to reduce vulnerability and disadvantage across our community
- Comes during national Homelessness Week 2026 and continues Cook Labor Government's commitment to help those doing it tough
The Cook Labor Government has today announced Lotterywest grants totalling almost $1.4 million to assist Western Australia's most vulnerable families and individuals struggling with homelessness and the cost of living.
A grant of more than $1.1 million is supporting Uniting WA to provide immediate assistance, such as food vouchers, transport assistance, essential pharmaceuticals, utility payments, and emergency payments.
It will also enable Uniting WA to expand its service capacity and support delivery of high-quality, people-centred relief, with a strong focus on holistic assessment and networked referrals to connect clients to longer-term supports.
Uniting WA operates the Tranby Engagement Hub, which is Perth's only 365-day-a-year crisis hub for people experiencing homelessness. It provides a range of essential services to support individuals in crisis from its inner-city location.
A separate grant of $286,903 will assist Mission Australia with crisis and emergency relief to support individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.
The grant will enable timely access to essential supports, including food, utilities, transport, and medical and prescription costs, addressing immediate needs while establishing pathways to longer-term stability.
The grants come during national Homelessness Week 2026, with this year has the theme Strong Workforce, Stronger Communities.
The State Labor Government has invested a record $10.8 billion in social housing and homelessness measures since 2021.
People experiencing financial hardship needing help can find their closest emergency relief provider by using WA Connect website: WAConnect - Community Services Directory (www.waconnect.org.au) or by calling 1800 979 777 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm).
As stated by Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"These grants will provide urgent support to some of WA's most vulnerable people in their time of need.
"Uniting WA and Mission Australia offer services that provide essential items for everyday living.
"I am pleased that we have been able to provide this funding via Lotterywest for people and families in need.
"Both Uniting WA and Mission Australia have provided outstanding services to the Western Australian community for decades. I thank them for the work they have done, and I look forward to seeing the impact these grants will have."
