The safety of 245 men and women in St Bart’s accommodation services – who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness – has been safeguarded through generous funding from Woodside that enabled the creation of an isolation unit amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a time of societal anxiety, and when St Bart’s donations were also taking a hit, a contribution from Woodside’s COVID-19 Community Fund has allowed for the funding of the new isolation unit, which has already been used by two St Bart’s clients who were required to self-isolate after returning from interstate.
The unit is particularly important now as restrictions are being eased, and because many of the people St Bart’s supports have health issues which place them in a higher-risk category.
Much of St Bart’s accommodation includes shared communal areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, so the need to isolate any resident who may present with coronavirus symptoms, be waiting for test results or who needs to isolate after returning from other States, is imperative to prevent the spread and protect other residents and members of the public.
The Woodside COVID-19 Community Fund also covers the installation of a new security gate at St Bart’s Lime Street premises to ensure the safety of consumers. Prior to the installation of these gates, general members of the public could walk directly into the courtyard area that is available to the residents of St Bart’s transitional accommodation for men, the aged care service and community housing, therefore placing vulnerable people at higher risk.
“As restrictions ease and public services begin to re-open throughout Western Australia, St Bart’s is grateful that it has its own facility to isolate people for the protection and safety of others,” said St Bart’s CEO Samantha Drury. “We’re particularly grateful that Woodside has supported us in this difficult time to provide this peace of mind for both residents and staff.”
Media contact:
Claire Millett – Communications Advisor
Phone: 9323 5179
Email: cmillett@stbarts.org.au
Wendy Pryer – General Manager Communications and Engagement
Phone: 0409796999
FAST FACTS
• Over 9,000 people experience homelessness every day across WA
• Over 4300 people access specialist homelessness services every day
• Over 14,000 are on the wait list for social housing
ABOUT US
Since 1963, St Bart’s has been standing by the side of Western Australians at risk of, or experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
We provide support to more than 530 consumers through a range of services that are based on trauma-informed recovery.
Our goal is to support people to make their own choices and choose today the future they want for tomorrow.
St Bart’s acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land that we live and work on, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We are privileged to work with, and alongside, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and encourage those who are emerging as leaders.
St Bart’s is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We welcome and support the health and wellbeing of all people, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion and gender identity.