Beacon lights the way for Perth's homeless

New crisis and transitional accommodation for up to 102 homeless men opened on Saturday 22nd February in the heart of Perth. 

Located on the corner of Nash and Aberdeen St, Northbridge, “The Beacon” almost doubles the capacity of The Salvation Army’s smaller, outdated Lentara hostel which provided 52 rooms. 

As well as crisis and transitional accommodation, The Beacon will house a number of transitional support services that will enhance The Salvation Army’s ability to transition someone from point of dependence to independence. 

The Salvation Army’s Territorial Commander Commissioner Floyd Tidd opened The Beacon on site at 10.30am on 22nd February. 

Commissioner Floyd Tidd said the The Beacon will provide a better quality of accommodation and is a much needed facility for the homeless in the city of Perth. 

“The new hostel offers bedrooms with en suite and desk facilities for men seeking accommodation for up to six months,” Commissioner Tidd said. 

The Beacon will also offer far more than just crisis accommodation. 

This new facility will be the site for a host of centralised services. The on-site services include employment assistance, non-residential drug and alcohol services and communal kitchens and training courses. 

“The Beacon will develop into a multi-faceted program that can respond to the challenging complexities of social issues that men present with,” Commissioner Tidd said. 

For residents like 67-year-old Bob, The Beacon offers a safe and nurturing environment, where people down on their luck can get the help they need. Bob said he could not fault the Beacon accommodation or the care of the staff but warned others that what happened to him, could happen to anyone.

“It’s quite frightening. I’ve never been in that situation before and mixed with people who were in that situation,” he said.

“This building shows the depth of commitment of the Salvation Army and that commitment has never wavered.”

This facility has only been possible with the support of the Commonwealth’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan that contributed $17.83m. The State Government of Western Australia also assisted with this process. Fit out costs were contributed through Lotteries West. 

The Salvation Army has also been blessed to have generous support of both business and individual donors who have pledged over $4m to help fund this project. 

The Beacon facility forms part of The Salvation Army’s Doorways of Hope campaign which enabled a new women’s facility for domestic violence to be opened in 2010. The projects undertaken through this campaign enhance The Salvation Army’s ability to respond to the changing needs of the community. 

For further information or media comment please contact: 
Warren Palmer  – Divisional Communications & Fundraising Secretary   
The Salvation Army – Australia Southern Territory (Vic., SA, Tas., WA & NT)
Tel: 08 9260 9507 Mob: 0417 909 964 Email: warren.palmer@aus.salvationarmy.org