New $2m program could transform lives of rough sleepers in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, local homelessness worker says

A new $2 million State Government program could help transform the lives of many rough sleepers in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, according to a local homelessness worker. Local health service Bega Garnbirringu has been provided with $2 million in funding for a two-year pilot program with expanded wraparound support services for homeless people and a return to country approach. Bega social support manager Dena Rundle said housing could be the first step in helping people who might be struggling with other complex challenges. “Housing is important . . . a lot of our mob might have addictions, mental health issues, a lot of stuff that comes with it,” she said. “But if they don’t have a stable place, how can they work on all those things?” The program will offer outreach that connects with health, legal, and other community services, and includes a return-to-country approach. Ms Rundle said the funding would help Bega get more staff on board to offer better support. “It’s having the extra hands - it will be amazing what we can do,” she said. “I’m excited . . . with this money coming towards the homeless team here we can close some of them gaps. “It’s going to really support our mob out there and give our staff, more opportunities to support our mob. “With the extra staff, we can get out there, we can walk the streets, yarn with our with our mob.” Homelessness Minister John Carey told the Kalgoorlie Miner the pilot program was an innovative approach to a complex issue. “We know there are always challenges in regional communities, and Kalgoorlie, I think it’s fair to say, has this had this historic challenge,” he said. “We’re trying to think outside the box about how we can assist people who come into town to get back to country, but also people that get caught in a cycle of either rough sleeping or being on the streets. “These issues are deeply complex, and I’ve always been a straight shooter to say that there’s never a simple solution but certainly this funding . . . is trying to think outside the box to tackle this issue.” Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent said the government was providing a first-of-its kind program. “We saw a particularly challenging summer period and there were a lot of people that have come into town for whatever reason, and the roads were flooded, couldn’t get home, there were a whole lot of issues that surrounded that,” Ms Kent said. “There are so many people in this city who have empathy. They see individuals sleeping rough and think, ‘We don’t want this for our city. It’s not fair. You know, it’s 2024; people should not be living in these conditions’. “This money will enable Bega to provide services that people need to get them off the streets.”