New minister launches free online homelessness services portal

New minister launches free online homelessness services portal

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Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn with representatives from Anglicare WA, Centrecare and the Department of Communities Office of Homelessness at the launch of the Find My Way online portal.

A new online portal to connect people experiencing homelessness to vital support services and accommodation across Western Australia has launched this week.

Find My Way – Online Homelessness Services Portal is a free service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness seek accommodation and available support services.

Users who are not already connected to a service will have access to a homelessness service connector who will be able to assist with referrals as part of Centrecare’s Entrypoint service, making it quicker and easier for people to find support when they need it.

Find My Way can also store and manage important documents, and with permission can share information with service providers to avoid long administrative processes and people having to retell their stories.

The development was led by a consortium comprising of Infoxchange in partnership with Anglicare WA, the Innovation Unit and Anthologie.

Community service organisations and people with lived experience were included in the design process to ensure Find My Way meets the needs of its users.

“Find My Way is a ‘digital front door’ connecting people experiencing homelessness to critical accommodation and support services, making accessing help easier for those in our community who need it most,” Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn said.

“By simplifying how people access support, we are reducing the burden on those seeking assistance.”

Find My Way supports the State Government’s All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030 and the sector-wide adoption of a No Wrong Door approach to service delivery.

Find My Way can be accessed online via a smartphone or computer, including computers at local libraries.

People can still request access to accommodation and other services through existing pathways including engagement hubs, by calling Entrypoint Perth or contacting accommodation services directly.

Visit www.findmyway.org.au for more information.