Last week, BHP announced a new partnership with St Bartholomew’s House in Perth, to help break the cycle of homelessness in Western Australia.

Our A$1 million contribution will assist St Bart’s to help West Australians at risk of or experiencing homelessness, to access a range of accommodation and individualised support services.

Head of Corporate Affairs Western Australia, Meath Hammond was on hand to launch the partnership and said BHP was pleased to support St Bart’s to deliver the Helping Homelessness partnership to assist the most vulnerable in our community.

“By partnering with St Bart’s, BHP hopes to assist in providing pathways for people to begin a journey towards stable long term housing,” Mr Hammond said.

John Berger, CEO of St Bart’s, said at least 10,000 people were homeless on any given night in Western Australia, with the leading causes being domestic violence, and financial and housing difficulties.

“The experience of homelessness is devastating and can affect anyone, given the wrong set of circumstances,” Mr Berger said. “The loss of a job, dealing with trauma, lack of family support during difficult times, or poor mental health can all lead to homelessness.