The historic Wyn Carr House building, which served as a women's refuge from 1978 to 2019 before closing for refurbishments, has reopened as specialist temporary accommodation for older women facing homelessness. Located in Fremantle, the facility now offers 12 bedrooms with ensuites, communal indoor and outdoor spaces, open plan living areas, and counselling and group therapy rooms.
Community and government collaboration
Uniting WA and Housing All Australians worked together to fundraise and deliver the project. The State Government contributed $7.01 million to the redevelopment, including $2.06 million from Lotterywest, alongside more than $1 million in pro bono services.
Rising demand amid cost of living pressures
Uniting WA co-chief executive officer Jen Park highlighted the critical need for such a facility given the surge in demand due to rising cost of living pressures. “Uniting WA runs Tramby Engagement Hub for people that come in with immediate needs to be met ... and we've seen a sharp increase in the number of women and older women presenting to the hub who are homeless or sleeping rough, looking for additional support,” she said.
“In any given year, we're seeing in excess of 90,000 presentations at Tramby, both men and women, with almost 3000 referrals for accommodation support - but a lot of those referrals are never fulfilled because of the lack of beds in the system.
“There's also a group of people that sit on the cusp. They may have employment, but they're really struggling with rent increases and cost of living increases. It pushes some of them out of their rentals, because they simply cannot afford to stay there.”
Support and stay duration
Women can stay at Wyn Carr House for up to 12 months depending on their circumstances, with access to wraparound support from Uniting WA through on-site, tailored case management. “If they're experiencing mental health challenges, or need medical support, they will receive that appropriate support,” Ms Park said. “For some people, it might just be relearning how to budget, how to cook, or how to maintain a place. It can be very overwhelming when they haven't been doing that for quite some time.”
Historical significance
The building is named after Winifred Emily Carr, a prominent community leader known for her service to disadvantaged women in the late 1900s. After Wyn Carr House was deemed unfit for use as a women's refuge in 2019, the community came together to fund its refurbishment.
Pathway to permanent housing
Ms Park said the goal is for women sleeping rough—whether couch surfing, in their cars, or on the streets—to be supported as they transition to more permanent independent living. “It might be that they move into an aged care facility, an NDIS-funded facility, or a rental they have in their own name, and this house is designed to support that journey,” she said.
“The facility is not for young mums with children, it's women who have journeyed through life. They may have had children who are grown up, they may have had a career but are no longer earning income, they may not have any superannuation because they had an unpaid caring role, they might be a victim of domestic violence - their circumstances are all different.”
Government response
Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn said this practical support was crucial for this demographic. “Wyn Carr House provides safe, supported accommodation for older women at a time when they need it most,” he said. “Older women are one of the fastest-growing groups at risk of homelessness, and this project responds directly to that need.”
How to access support
Uniting WA accepts referrals through Entrypoint, which assesses applicants against criteria to determine if they are ready for transitional housing. For assistance, call 1300 663 298 or visit the Uniting WA website to access case workers for guidance through the application process.
