Saint Bart’s is a Perth-based organisation that supports people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Their services include transitional housing, mental health accommodation, aged care for homeless men, and support for older people navigating aged care systems.

“We support between 480 and 550 people every month,” said Lena Hopkinson, Chief Operating Officer at Saint Bart’s. “But that’s just a drop in the ocean.”

There are an estimated 10,000 to 11,000 people in WA who are homeless at any given time.

What Is Transitional Housing?

Transitional housing provides a crucial stepping stone between crisis accommodation and long-term housing.

“It’s not a refuge, but we often take in women from refuges,” Lena explained. “It gives them a chance to breathe, get support, and start thinking about their next step.”

This includes helping women recover from trauma, manage debt, and reconnect with government services they may have lost access to.

The Women’s Housing Service Under Threat

Saint Barts’ transitional housing program for women is now under threat due to a lack of funding.

“We’ve been running this service since 2014,” said Lena. “At first, we used our own funds and donations. Then, three years ago, we received government funding.”

That funding ends in June 2025. A planned redevelopment of the site has complicated efforts to continue the service in its current location.

“We were hoping to find a new venue and funding to keep the service going,” Lena shared. “We found a possible location but couldn’t secure the money needed.”

No Clear Alternative for Vulnerable Women

Without renewed funding, the service will close, affecting 28 women currently living there.

“There is no alternative at this stage,” said Lena. “We’re working closely with the Department of Communities and the Office of Homelessness to find long-term housing for the women.”

But the clock is ticking. Most women stay in the program for nine to twelve months. Suddenly being asked to leave could undo their progress.

“Many of them are being retraumatised by the thought of becoming homeless again,” she said.

Why Women-Only Accommodation Matters

If the women’s service disappears, it leaves a big gap.

“There are very few women-only beds,” Lena explained. “Many women have experienced trauma, and mixed accommodation isn’t appropriate.”

This could lead to more women sleeping rough in Perth’s CBD, especially during the day, when night shelters are closed.

Is There Hope for Funding?

So far, government funding has not come through, despite attempts at both state and federal levels.

“The only other option would be private funding,” Lena said. “But buying or renting a property for 28 women is expensive and we haven’t found a suitable site yet.”

Saint Bart’s’ priority remains their planned redevelopment, which will create 137 long-term beds for people experiencing homelessness. But they recognise that transitional housing still plays a vital role.

How You Can Help

Saint Bart’s is open to donations or partnerships to help bridge the gap and continue this essential service.

If you or your organisation can help provide a location or financial support, you could make a life-changing difference for women in need.

As Lena put it, “Our aim is to make sure no woman ends up back on the street.”

For more information or to support Saint Bart’s, visit saintbarts.org.au.

Listen to the full conversation below.