Work on new Bunbury youth crisis accommodation centre to help vulnerable moving ahead

Vulnerable young people in Bunbury will be able to find shelter and security in new crisis accommodation once the project receives funding for construction. Not-for-profit support service provider Accordwest plans to build a 10-bed short-term youth crisis accommodation building to deal with the increase in demand for youth housing. The two-storey building will act as an extension of Bunyap House — a six bed crisis accommodation facility on Forrest Avenue — and will feature an office space for Accordwest workers and a training area for young people. CEO Evan Nunn said Bunyap House was the only crisis accommodation available specifically for young people in the greater Bunbury area. “We’re trying to help (youth) specifically, they’re a vulnerable demographic,” he said. “Demand always exceeds supply in this area.” Mr Nunn said the current crisis accommodation aimed to help young people get back on their feet and an extension of this would be great for the Bunbury region. The census estimates 21 per cent of West Australians experiencing homelessness are aged 12-24. Interactions with the child protection system — particularly experiences of foster care as a child — was a significant risk factor for homelessness, according to a report by Shelter WA. “Children that go through Department for Child Protection care get a leaving plan and they help look after them and try to get them accommodation to set them up for success,” Mr Nunn said. “But it’s well known it’s difficult for them to get accommodation coming out of DCP. “We can play a part in helping those young people in the regions.” Bunbury City Council granted development approval for the project late last month. The council received nine objections to the project, mainly residents voicing concerns of an increase in antisocial behaviour. Mr Nunn said the lodging had strict rules and security would be increased, along with the establishment of a community reference group and a new noise management plan. He said the next step was to secure funding to get the project shovel-ready.