Church looks to establish centre for homeless

A Warnbro church community has put its hand up to do what it can to help the homeless people of Rockingham.

St Brendan's By the Sea Anglican Community Church is discussing opening a new centre to offer the homeless a hot meal, hot showers and the option to wash their clothing one day a week.

Church volunteer Andrew Beadle said he learned that government funding for crisis services had been redirected and hoped the church could play a part in helping the most vulnerable and those sleeping rough.

"The idea would be to support the other services offering hot meals and showers (Rockingham Salvation Army), by operating on an alternative day," he said.

Mr Beadle said the church wanted to help match the need within the community.

"We want to make sure what we provide is targeted and can be continued and guaranteed," he said.

Mr Beadle said the church committee was considering a facility in Safety Bay for the centre.

"I'm quite determined to find a way through this," he said.

"It is a matter of caring for people and caring for people as individuals."

Homeless advocate Owen Farmer, who is helping the church explore its options, said the facility would be another wonderful outlet for the homeless doing it tough.

"It would mean the people on the streets would be guaranteed two hot meals a week instead of one," he said. "It is absolutely wonderful St Brendan's has put its hand up to help.

"It truly touches my heart because we have been battling for 12 months to help the homeless and for someone else to come forward and help is incredible."