PASSAGES Resource Centre in Davey Street, Mandurah will soon help young people lead a safer life on the streets or help them move off the streets, when it opens on February 10.
The centre was bought with funds from Rotary Perth’s Sir Norman Brearley Trust with a donation of $500,000 from the Bendat Family Trust.
St Vincent de Paul Society WA Inc put in $220,000 towards costs and Lotterywest donated $240,000 for modifications and fitout.
The society’s media officer, Conor Doherty, said clients would be offered information, referrals and support to assist them to make positive, informed choices that will lead to a safer life.
“Passages has been operating in Northbridge since 1999 and the new Passages Resource Centre in Mandurah has been established to respond to a pressing need in the Peel region for a similar service,” he said.
“Young street people will be able to come in and have a shower and clean their clothes, they will be able to access a computer and the internet, they will be able to access information such as how to apply for a place to live or important health and mental health information,” he said.
“They will also be able to meet Centrelink representatives at Passages and make an appointment with a health professional or talk to youth worker staff members about the problems they have had or are having.
“The centre can also assist with education and training support as well as job-seeking help.”
Mr Doherty said a range of agencies from around the Peel region would also help street kids with legal and medical, counselling and mental health support as well as drug and alcohol advice.
Other programs offered include support with learning and achieving a certificate in volunteering, staying healthy, looking after yourself and healthy cooking as well as how to stay mentally healthy, staying positive and keeping active.
“As youth who are homeless and at risk of homelessness in the Peel region have their own unique needs, the service model for Passages Peel will tailor their services to the needs of the young people who present at the centre,” Mr Doherty said.