Birdiya Maya Homelessness Research Project

Shelter WA Member Wungening Aboriginal Corporation is undertaking an Aboriginal-led Homelessness Research Project alongside Curtin University’s National Drug Research Institute (NDRI).

The Lotterywest funded Birdiya Maya Homelessness Research project provides a platform for the voices of Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness in Perth, to tell stories and to identify ways of improving responses to homelessness, especially in contexts of crisis. It’s the first time an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) has led a research project of this nature.

Representatives from Shelter WA attended the project exhibition at Perth Town Hall to view art, photography, and film captured as part of the project.

Lived Experience

The media presented was created by Aboriginal people with lived experience of homelessness telling the story of their journey. Accompanying the images and artworks were quotes from the participants, giving greater context and power to the imagery, and giving a greater insight into homelessness for guests most of whom would have no personal experience with homelessness.

Through a Community Ownership Group, community members lead the direction of the research project, with ongoing engagement with Elders and people with lived experience guiding research activities.

More Information

Find more information about the Birdiya Maya Homelessness Research Project here.

In 2021, Shelter WA started a project to build the capacity of four WA-based Aboriginal Community Housing Organisations (ACHO’s). Read the stories about that work here.

And recently Shelter WA received funding from the Department of Communities to work with the broader sector, including identifying those ACHOs who are working in regional or remote communities. This second project will involve facilitating information sharing and supporting the sector’s advocacy needs.