Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA has backed calls to increase support for youth crisis accommodation, saying young people are finding it difficult to access shelter when they need it.
On Monday, reports emerged of crisis accommodation facilitators in Perth being stretched to capacity, forced to turn away youth due to the constraints.
Ms Warr said the situation was similar in Geraldton.
“Locally we’re seeing the same issues where children and young people are fleeing family domestic violence situations, but are staying on the streets because there is a lack of crisis accommodation in Geraldton,” she said.
“My office is fielding calls regularly with people seeking crisis support, but the demand is too high for what our local organisations can currently offer.”
Ms Warr said she had spoken directly to local organisations offering crisis accommodation to hear their perspectives, calling for the State Government to invest further into housing.
“Our local providers put in a lot of effort to help our vulnerable youth, but they are at capacity,” she said.
“Organisations like Short Term Accommodation for Youth (STAY) do a fantastic job with the resources they are provided, but they need more support in the current climate.
“Our housing crisis is making it harder than ever for people to find a home, which is putting the strain on crisis accommodation facilities in Geraldton.
“The State Government must consider the budget submission from the Ending Child and Youth Homelessness coalition to ensure unaccompanied children and young people can access safe accommodation, including in the regions.”