Posted by Barry Thornton

As featured in the Guardian Express

 

THE community can this week learn more about the relocation of Passages Resource Centre from Northbridge to Highgate after 15 years.

The St Vincent de Paul Society and the Rotary Club of Perth will host an information night on July 20 from 6.30pm.

The centre provides vulnerable young people with practical assistance including food, clothing, a shower, clothes-washing facilities and computer access.

It also links them to other supports such as Centrelink, counselling, Street Doctor, education, training and accommodation, to help them transition off the street.

St Vincent de Paul Society’s state manager of homeless services Gayle Mitchell said a new site was needed to accommodate the changing needs of the service.

“We needed a new facility to ensure we can continue to keep up with the ever- increasing demand we’re experiencing, and deal with the more complex needs of today’s young people,” she said.

“On any given day, we will see an average of 20 young people drop in to the service, and in recent times it became clear that a larger, more contemporary site was needed.”

Rotary Club of Perth president Stephen Inouye said about 24,000 young people had benefited since it partnered with St Vincent de Paul 18 years ago.

“Many of these kids are often forced to roam the streets of Perth through no fault of their own, struggling to cope because of family violence, poverty or other circumstances beyond their control,’ he said.

“We look forward to meeting with the community and answering any questions and concerns people may have.”

What: Community information night – Passages Resource Centre relocation
When: Thursday, July 20 from 6.30pm
Where: Mt Lawley Bowling Club, corner Storthes and Rookwood Street, Mt Lawley