Shelter WA, the peak body representing the community housing and homelessness sectors has again commended government on the social housing package, while describing the lack of significant funding for homelessness support services as a disappointing response to one of the worst homelessness crises in history.
“It’s a credit to the McGowan government to have one of the strongest economic positions in the world, and a $3.3 billion operating surplus,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
Social Housing Boost Strongly Welcomed
“We congratulate the Treasurer on the significant boost of $511 million into social housing in today’s budget, announced earlier this month, and commend the WA Government on the momentum they continue to build in this space.
“This funding will provide at least another 700 social homes, including a pilot program to provide 100 ‘supported landlord’ homes for people sleeping rough in the regions. It also introduces a new Keystart Loan Program for one-bedroom apartments and to enable customers to secure pre-sale off-the-plan properties.
“Sector was thrilled by this much needed investment.”
“Our sector was thrilled by this much needed investment and is looking forward to continuing to work with government as a delivery partner to get new social homes on the ground as quickly as possible, whilst providing diverse, high-quality homes and wrap around services to tenants.
“Investment into social housing provides certainty to our sector and community and will change lives,” Ms Snell concluded.
Strong Economy Accompanied by Rise in Homelessness and Housing Stress
“While the state budget contains welcome investment into new social housing, we were hoping for an accompanying significant boost in funding to the specialist homelessness support services sector, which are at breaking point.
“WA’s strong economic performance has tragically corresponded with a worsening situation for a growing number of people experiencing homelessness and extreme rental stress.
“The number of people sleeping rough has doubled.”
“WA has enjoyed successive surpluses worth almost $17 billion over the last four years, yet over a similar period the number of people sleeping rough has doubled, rents have skyrocketed, and homeless support services are turning away record numbers of people.
“This is why we’ve been strongly advocating for a significant boost to specialist homelessness support services.
Watch Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell here
“The failure to deliver this uplift to these services sends a disappointing message to an already overstretched sector.
Cost-of-living Package Welcomed, but no Rent Relief
The state budget includes a $715 million cost of living relief package, which will provide a $400 electricity credit for every Western Australian household, with households most in need, receiving up to $826 plus $650 for small businesses.
“No dedicated rent relief package to assist renters.”
“We welcome the electricity credit contained in this budget, which will provide some relief for families struggling with the cost of living. We also welcome the $9 million over the next two years to Community Legal Centres across WA, who provide support and advocacy services to a growing number of struggling renters.
“We are disappointed however there was no dedicated rent relief package to assist renters facing significant hardship in the current rental market. We will continue to advocate for a rent relief package, to help hold renters where they are, and prevent further Western Australians entering into homelessness.”
Welcome Initiatives
The budget included a number of new commitments for housing and homelessness, which included:
$450 million top up to the Social Housing Investment Fund to deliver 700 additional social homes
$52.5m family and domestic violence (FDV) services in metropolitan and regional including:
– $18.3 million uplift for all services.
– $16.3 for a new FDV hub in Broome
– $13.2 million for Kalgoorlie and Mirrabooka FDV hubs
$61.6m increased funding for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) housing including a rent freeze, refurbishments, and new supply
$5.5 million to de-constrain sites as part of the pilot Housing Diversity Pipeline
$1.4m to extend Koort Boodja plus $470,000 for- Perth homelessness services
$11.8 million for at risk youth in Kimberley – safe spaces, TAFE and alternative learning
In addition, $300m has been brought forward from the existing Social Housing Investment Funding (announced in 2021) including $254m for receipt of business cases for social housing and homelessness proposals, and $46m for the regional supportive landlord model.
Fast Facts & Links
There are 9,729 people experiencing homelessness in WA, an 8 per cent increase since the last census.
There were 18,919 households (33,806 people) including 4,486 priority applicants (9,016 individuals) on the social housing waitlist at January 2023.
The CHIA/UNI NSW report released on 31 January estimated an unmet need of 85,500 WA households by 2041. To meet this demand need we’d need to increase social and affordable housing growth by up to 8.7 per cent per year or over 4,700 homes each year.
Peak community housing and homelessness sector peak body Shelter WA has congratulated the Premier and Minister for Housing; Lands; Homelessness; Local Government on funding announced today to provide much needed investment into social housing in WA.
“We congratulate the Premier and Minister John Carey MLA on this announcement today and commend them on the momentum they continue to build in this space,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
“Investment of this scale provides certainty to our sector and community, and will change lives.
“Our sector is looking forward to continuing to work with government as a delivery partner to get new social homes on the ground as quickly as possible, whilst providing diverse, high-quality homes and wrap around services to tenants.
“Investment of this scale provides certainty.”
“We acknowledge this announcement follows a number of recent initiatives by the Minister, including $23m to deliver 100 homes and support for people sleeping rough, in partnership with Housing Choices, and over $39 million in grants for the community housing sector and local governments to deliver over 158 new social housing homes.
People Sleeping Rough
“We are thrilled the WA Government is providing funding for a pilot to provide 100 ‘supported landlord’ homes for people sleeping rough in the regions, based on the successful model provided by Housing Choices, which provides intensive wrap-around support to transition people sleeping rough into stable and secure long-term accommodation.
[L-R] Michael Piu CEO, St Pat’s; Louise Giolitto CEO, WACOSS; Kath Snell CEO, Shelter WA; Natalie Sangalli CEO, Housing Choices; Sean Kelly State Manager, Community Housing Limited; Shane Ogilvie Bethanie Housing CEO; Michael Chester Co-Chief Executive Officer, Uniting WA
“The WA Government has committed to end rough sleeping by 2025 under its All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030. Today’s announcement is a much needed and strongly welcomed step towards achieving that bold but achievable goal.
Keystart
“We also welcome the amendments to Keystart’s pilot Urban Connect program that will mean one-bedroom apartments are now eligible under Urban Connect, and a new Keystart Loan Program will also be introduced to enable customers to secure pre-sale off-the-plan properties.
“Shelter WA supports measures like Keystart.”
“Shelter WA supports measures like Keystart and low-deposit loan scheme that are well-targeted and administered effectively and considerate of borrowing capacity,” Ms Snell concluded.
Fast Facts & Links
There were 18,919 households (33,806 people) including 4,486 priority applicants (9,016 individuals) on the social housing waitlist at January 2023.
The total number of people experiencing homelessness in WA is 9,729.
The most recent By-Name List March 2023 data shows there were,
The CHIA/UNI NSW report released on Monday, 31 January estimated an unmet need of 85,500 WA households by 2041. To meet this demand need we’d need to increase social and affordable housing growth by up to 8.7 per cent per year or over 4,700 homes each year.
Keystart’s variable interest rate is currently 8.01 per cent and the minimum deposit is from two percent (compared with other lenders is from 5 per cent). The maximum metro purchase price is $560,000 to $750,000 in the Pilbara. Income limits are $105,000 for a single person and $155,000 for a couple, and for the Pilbara it’s $165,000 and $195,000 for a couple.
Shelter WA
Shelter WA is the independent peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors. With 140 members, our strength is providing evidence-based policy, advice, engagement, representation and strong advocacy for an effective housing system.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-59-e1682928025684.jpg9932048Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2023-05-01 14:23:432023-05-23 13:21:11New funding for social housing welcomed by sector
Kath Snell, Chief Executive Officer, Shelter WA; and David Pearson, Executive Officer, WA Alliance to End Homelessness; have been appointed, amongst other sector representatives, to the Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group to guide and support implementation of All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030 (Strategy).
The Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group will support and guide implementation of the Strategy and provide advice to the Minister for Homelessness, Hon. John Carey MLA about reforms towards a Housing First and No Wrong Door approach across the homelessness sector, including addressing barriers in the system.
Shelter WA, the peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors is proud to have been appointed to the Advisory Group.
Advisory Group
“The Advisory Group includes members with expertise over a range of areas including tenancy law, front line support services, local government and Community Housing Organisations,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
“Shelter WA is thrilled to be appointed to the Group and acknowledge our appointment was in recognition of the expertise at Shelter WA, and our ability to provide evidence based, frank and solutions-based advice to government.
“Thrilled to be appointed.”
“We also take this opportunity to clarify that members of the advisory group were selected via an independent process within the Department of Communities and congratulate the Department for moving this process forward.
Lived Experience
“Meaningful Lived Experience engagement is an area Shelter WA is focused and committed to. We look forward to conversations with Department of Communities, where there this topic is given the attention, it deserves and requires to be brought to life.
“We are pleased the Advisory Committee has a dedicated Lived Experience Community Member as part of its make-up, and value the importance of this voice and viewpoint.
“An area Shelter WA is focused and committed to.”
“We also look forward to working with the diverse members of the committee, and see this as an opportunity to share opinion, information and research on the current homelessness drivers and influences this state is experiencing,” Ms Snell concluded.
“Ending homelessness is possible and I feel very privileged to have been asked to join the new Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group to help drive the focus on seeking to end homelessness, not just manage its consequences,” WAAEH Executive Officer David Pearson said.
“I am looking forward to working with the impressive range of people and organisations who have also been tasked with helping to implement WA’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness – which has seen nation-leading investments in efforts to end homelessness and a strong focus on Housing First.
“It is a solvable problem.”
“Homelessness is a complex problem, that in most places is getting worse, not better, but it is a solvable problem. To do so, it takes many things including a strategy that actually seeks to solve the problem and is supported by a dedicated group of people working towards that goal. Great to see these two things being put in place.
“There is so much more that can and needs to be done, looking forward to the challenge,” Mr Pearson concluded.
Appointees
The Group, which will meet quarterly, will be chaired by Mr Mike Rowe, Director General of Communities.
The 16 other members are:
Mr Andrew Brien, Chief Executive Officer, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder;
Ms Bettina (Tina) Ugle, Managing Director, Noongar Mia Mia;
Ms Cath Hart, Chief Executive Officer, Real Estate Institute of Western Australia;
Ms Corina Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Family Legal Service, Southern Aboriginal Corporation;
Mr Daniel Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Wungening Aboriginal Corporation;
Mr David Pearson, Executive Officer, WA Alliance to End Homelessness and Chief Executive Officer, Australian Alliance to End Homelessness;
Ms Debra Zanella, Chief Executive Officer, Ruah Community Services;
Mr Jonathon Lake, Design Leader, Gresley Abas Architects;
Ms Jude Thomas, Director Place and Community, City of Mandurah;
Ms Kath Snell, Chief Executive Officer, Shelter WA;
Ms Kim Robinson, Program Support Officer Social Policy, WACOSS;
Ms Louise Olney, Director Building Communities, Minderoo Foundation;
Mr Michael Chester, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Uniting WA;
Ms Natalie Sangalli, General Manager, Housing Choices Western Australia Ltd;
Ms Samantha Drury, Chief Executive Officer St Bartholomew’s House (St Bart’s); and
Ms Sharon Gough, Chief Executive Officer, Indigo Junction.
About Us
Shelter WA is the independent peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors. With 140 members, our strength is providing evidence-based policy, advice, engagement, representation and strong advocacy for an effective housing system.
The WA Alliance To End Homelessness is a group of individuals and organisations that have come together to end homelessness in Western Australia. Since the publication of the WA Alliance’s Ten-Year Strategy to End Homelessness in 2018, the WA Alliance has been working to implement the Strategy, acting to support people and communities who share the common vision of ending homelessness.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Untitled-design-2021-11-30T123428.667-rsss.jpg8001200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2023-03-29 16:00:342023-03-29 16:02:50Establishment of Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group
Peak community housing and homelessness sector body Shelter WA and the WA Alliance to End Homelessness are shocked at new data showing significant increases to homelessness and the number of people rough sleeping more than doubling since the last census.
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Western Australia has increased by eight per cent to a total of 9,729 people in the five years between the 2016 and 2021 Census – an increase of over 720 people since 2016.
People Sleeping Rough
In a distressing trend, the number of Western Australians sleeping rough increased by 113.8 per cent between census periods, from 1,083 in 2016 to 2,315 people in 2021.
WA now has the highest proportion of all states and territories of people living in improvised dwellings, tents, sleeping out (aka rough sleepers). People sleeping rough now account for one quarter (23.8 per cent) of the total homelessness population – up from 12 per cent in 2016.
This is by far the highest of all states and territories and bucks the national trend which saw rough sleeping decrease from seven per cent to 6.2 per cent as a proportion of total homelessness.
Rough sleeper numbers across Australia actually dropped by 6.9 per cent since the last census.
WA’s rough sleeping is now three times the national average, or put another way, almost one in three (30.3 per cent) rough sleepers in Australian are in WA.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has increased significantly by 29 per cent from 2,618 to 3,378 people in 2021.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now make up 35 per cent of WA’s total homeless population, up from 29 per cent in 2016, and despite comprising just 3.3 per cent of the WA population.
In 2021, WA has second highest rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander homelessness – 381 per 10,000 people. Only NT has higher rate than WA (1,865 per 10,000).
Older People
The number of older people experiencing homelessness has increased significantly. The number of people over 55 experiencing homelessness has increased by 23.7 per cent in WA, up from 1,500 in 2016 to 1,855 people in 2021.
Couch Surfing
Number of couch surfing, or ‘staying temporarily with others’ increased in WA by 8.9 per cent, from 1,950 to 2,125 people.
Severe Overcrowding
In some good news, the number and proportion of Western Australians living in severe overcrowding is down from the previous Census, dropping from 3,871 individuals in 2016 to 2,935 in 2021 –representing a decrease of 24.2 per cent. (‘Severely overcrowded’ means living in a house requiring four or more bedrooms to accommodate the people living there.)
Statements
These comments are attributable to Shelter WA and the WA Alliance to End Homelessness (WAAEH).
Shelter WA is the peak body representing the community housing and homelessness sector.
Ms Kath Snell, Chief Executive Officer of Shelter WA said:
“These figures are devastating and demonstrate Western Australia’s responses to housing and homelessness is not making an impact in reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness.
“This data demonstrates what we have been saying for years – that our services are overwhelmed, we are witnessing record numbers of people being turned away with nowhere to go – and there is an urgent need for more investment into homelessness services and faster pathways for social and affordable housing.
“Our services are overwhelmed.”
“We commend the WA Government on its commitment to delivering more social housing, and modest increases to homelessness services in the last few years. However, we appreciate they are playing catch up after years of under investment in social housing, and we need a response that matches the need.
“We also need to tackle this in a holistic way – looking at prevention and diversion programs to prevent people entering into homelessness, especially from the private rental market, emergency relief for households in crisis in the private rental market, a plan for tenants who will lose their National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) properties, and innovative fast build accommodation and housing.
“We are proud of the tireless work our members do on the frontline, many of whom feel they are almost at breaking point. With everyone in this sector working hard, figures like these are startling and heartbreaking.
“If we want to see the reduction in the numbers of people experiencing homelessness in the next Census, and if the WA government is serious about ending rough sleeping by 2025 we need to act now and act with urgency,” Ms Snell concluded.
David Pearson, WAAEH said:
“The overall picture painted by the Census data is a bad situation getting worse.
“The data reveals we have a particular challenge with rough sleeping, which is no doubt significantly influenced by the fact that while other states made significant investments in providing temporary shelter and in some cases ongoing housing for people experiencing rough sleeping when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, the same didn’t occur in WA.
“We have a particular challenge with rough sleeping.”
“It is worth noting that the Governments leadership on efforts to end rough sleeping are showing signs of progress, because since this census data was collected 19 months ago, the by-name list data is showing reductions since then, as reflect on the WAAEH data dashboard.
“The data also reveals a concerning increase in Aboriginal homelessness, this needs to be urgently addressed,” Mr Pearson concluded.
Solutions
Shelter WA’s 2023-24 Pre-Budget Submission seeks commitments that would immediately address the homelessness crisis in WA, including:
Immediate additional investment in homelessness services to address the indexation gap of $16 million;
Significant new investment into Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to provide culturally-led homelessness services by at least $12.8 million;
New investment for a flexible youth homelessness diversion fund, to prevent young people entering homeless, especially from the private rental market of at least $1 million; and; and
Reallocating unspent First Homeowner Grant (FHOG) funding of over $200 million from 2023/24 – 2025/26 (of approximately $69 million a year) to provide safe, stable homes for people experiencing chronic homelessness instead. Redirecting $69 million annually could pay for about 200 homes per year through spot purchasing, or pay for a hotel room or emergency accommodation for every person that is sleeping rough in WA for an entire year.
“We need greater investment in homelessness, services. WA has the worst turn away rates in the country and our total annual spending on homelessness is the second lowest in the country and way below the national average, according to the 2023 Report on Government Services for Homelessness.
“In relation to rough sleeping, we need to expand the Advance to Zero efforts beyond the existing five regions, and based on this data, the (delayed) Common Ground supportive housing when built won’t be enough to meet the existing demand, and so need to be expanded.
Data
The WA Alliance to End Homelessness points out that “whilst the numbers in this census are concerning, what should alarm all Western Australians is that this data, released today, is already nineteen months-old. You can’t change what you don’t measure, and in Australia we don’t really measure how much homelessness there is, we only estimate it every five years.
“Imagine how we’d manage problems like unemployment if we estimated what was going on every five years and then took 588 days to release it.
“We only estimate it every five years.”
“The WA Alliance to End Homelessness, though our Advance to Zero Campaign, and with the support of a range of partners including the State Government, have set about providing monthly actual or By-Name list data, not just estimates as the census is calculated on.
The problem is, this data is only collected in five communities, Perth/Fremantle, Bunbury, Mandurah, Rockingham and Geraldton.
“In relation to rough sleeping, we need to expand the Advance to Zero efforts beyond the existing five regions, and based on this data, the (delayed) Common Ground supportive housing when built won’t be enough to meet the existing demand, and so need to be expanded,” Mr Pearson concluded.
SUMMARY OF FIGURES
Total Homelessness
WA’s total number of people experiencing homelessness increased by eight per cent from 9,005 to 9,729 – up by 724 people. (This compares to a national increase of 5.2 per cent from 116,427 to 122, 494).
The homelessness rate, or percentage of Western Australians who are homeless, slightly increased to 36.6 per 10,000. This is the lowest rate of homelessness in the country – (the Australian average is 48 per 10,000).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Homelessness
The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing homelessness increased by 29 per cent, to a total of 3,378 people in 2021. By comparison the number increased by just 6.4 per cent across Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now account for 35 per cent of all homeless in WA despite making up just 3.3 per cent of the population. This has increased from 29 per cent in 2016. This compares to the Australian average of 20 per cent, which is unchanged.
Youth 12 – 24 YO
The total number of young people experiencing homelessness between 2016 and 2021 was stable at 1,927. Young people account for 19.8 per cent of the homeless population (slightly down from 21 per cent in 2016) and less than the Australian average of 23 per cent.
Children Under 18
There was a slight increase (+2.3 per cent) from 1,949 to 1,994 in the number of children experiencing homelessness between 2016 and 2021.
Children now account for 20.5 per cent of the homeless population (slightly down from 2016 figure of 21.6 per cent).
Older People Age 55+
There has been a significant increase in the number of older people experiencing homelessness of 23.7 per cent in WA, up from 1,500 people in 2016 to 1,855 in 2021.
Gender
There was an increase (3 per cent) in the proportion of females experiencing homelessness, up from 42 per cent of the total in 2016 to 45 per cent in 2021 to a total of 4,389 Western Australian females experiencing homelessness.
Disability
The number of people experiencing homelessness needing assistance with core activities has increased by 47 per cent from 333 people in 2016 to 489 people in 2021.
Rough Sleeping
WA now has the highest proportion of rough sleeping of all states. This could be a knock-on effect from COVID where we saw other states take an immediate response to provide housing.
The number of rough sleepers more than doubled (113.8 per cent increase) from 1083 in 2016 to to 2,315 in 2021.
The Australian average proportion of people rough sleeping by comparison is 6.2 per cent, down from 7 per cent in 2016.
Rough sleepers now account for one quarter (23.8 per cent) of the total homelessness population – by far the highest of all states and territories, and up from 12 per cent in 2016.
One surprise in the census data was that severe overcrowding has significantly decreased in WA, dropping from 3,871 individuals in 2016 to 2,935 in 2021 –representing a decrease of 24.2 per cent.
(NB: ‘severely overcrowded’ means living in a house requiring four or more bedrooms to accommodate the people living there. Anything less is ‘other overcrowded’ or marginal accommodation)
Other, less severe overcrowding also reduced from 5,787 people in 2016 to 5,334 people in 2021.
Temporary Lodging & Couch Surfing
There was a 8.9 per cent increase in Couch Surfing from 1,950 to 2,125 in 2021.
The number of people in temporary lodging doubled, from 51 to 107.
The number of people staying in supported accommodation for the homelessness increased by 53 per cent, from 1,054 in 2016 to 1,614 in 2021.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Untitled-design-5-rs.jpg8001200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2023-03-22 11:20:372023-07-12 15:48:11New census data shows WA rough sleeping has doubled in five years and is the worst in Australia
Figures released this week showing that there were 107 deaths in 2022 amongst people who were homeless or who had experienced homelessness in Perth in the six years prior to their deaths has reiterated Shelter WA’s stance for an urgent response to better integrate homelessness services and healthcare.
“The numbers of deaths and very low average age of death (50 years) is absolutely devastating and speaks to the urgency of faster pathways for public housing, particularly for people with chronic health conditions,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
Enormous Toll
“We understand and commend the efforts the WA Government is making to deliver much needed social housing, but the data released this week by The University of Notre Dame demonstrates a need to work more closely together to address more complex health and morbidity issues.
“Lack of suitable housing across WA.”
“Adding to the problem is the lack of suitable housing across WA, along with pressured often underfunded homelessness services that are seeing huge spikes in demand, along with a lack of basic renters’ rights.
“We are proud of the tireless work our members do on the frontline, many of whom are feeling the pain of people on housing waitlists and needing services. With everyone in this sector working hard, figures like these are startling and heartbreaking, and remind of us of the enormous toll of homelessness and insecure housing on health.
“We are grateful and supportive of the vital work by Professor Lisa Wood and her passionate team at Notre Dame University. While this evidence is uncomfortable and unpleasant to read, it’s a requirement to better understand the impact of the housing and homelessness crisis.
“This evidence is uncomfortable and unpleasant.”
“Shelter WA recognises homelessness can result from health-related factors, but not having a safe place to live also causes and worsens health problems, we see and hear this repeatedly from our members. People experiencing homelessness experience significantly higher rates of chronic illness and disability than the general population and face many barriers to accessing preventive healthcare.
“Without suitable housing and appropriate wrap around supports, many people are trapped into a cycle of long-term homelessness and in effect caught in a revolving hospital door in the Western Australian public health system. This is costly, inefficient and unethical.
“Shelter WA will continue to strongly advocate for urgently needed investment into homelessness and health services, as well as prioritised housing and supported accommodation for people with deteriorating health,” Ms Snell concluded.
The WA Government acquisition of the 30-room former Murray Street Hotel, to be transformed into supported accommodation for people sleeping rough
Immediate additional investment in homelessness services to address the indexation gap of $16 million;
Significant new investment into Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to provide culturally-led homelessness services by at least $12.8 million;
New investment for a flexible youth homelessness diversion fund, to prevent young people entering homeless, especially from the private rental market of at least $1 million; and
Reallocating unspent First Homeowner Grant funding of over $200 million from 2023 to provide safe, stable homes for people experiencing chronic homelessness instead.
In August 2022 Shelter WA provided a series of recommendations to government following last year’s Homelessness Week on the theme of ‘Housing, Homelessness and Health’, which included:
The WA Government adopt a whole of government approach to ending homelessness, including improved coordination and resource sharing between the Department of Communities and the Department of Health;
That health and homelessness government agencies and community services sector improve collaboration through a recurring forum to address intersecting issues;
The WA Government provide increased and sustained funding to the Medical Respite Centre to address need;
The WA Government and Federal Government shift from funding pilot programs to investment into evidence-based services;
The WA Government and Federal Government provide new investment to expand services at the intersection between homelessness and healthcare – including sustained investment into primary homeless healthcare;
The WA Government and Federal Government, in collaboration with the healthcare, housing and child protection systems, invest in additional programs targeting pregnant women experiencing homelessness;
There is increased investment by the WA Government and Federal Government to enable the community sector to better integrate legal, healthcare and homelessness services including in hospitals and engagement hubs; and
The WA Government and Federal Government develop and implement a Homeless Health Action Plan in partnership with the community sector.
Shelter WA
Shelter WA is the independent peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors. With over 100 members, our strength is providing evidence-based policy, advice, engagement, representation and strong advocacy for an effective housing system.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design-2023-03-21T081145.807.jpg13652048Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2023-03-21 08:14:222023-03-21 17:33:00Figures on deaths among people who experienced homelessness require solutions-focused health and housing response
The areas of Western Australia suffering most from housing stress have been revealed in a landmark report by the Community Housing Industry Association.
This means they are either experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes or spending over 30 per cent of their income on rent.
Worst Affected
In WA, the ten worst affected Local Government Areas are Wiluna, where 47.5 per cent, or 100 households, are not appropriately housed. This is followed by Menzies (45.5 per cent), Laverton (42.5 per cent), Murchison (39 per cent), Upper Gascoyne (27.5 per cent), Carnamah (22.8 per cent), Mount Magnet (21.4 per cent), Sandstone (19.8 per cent), Morawa (18 per cent) and Shark Bay (17.9 per cent). All ten are regional areas.
The state electoral seats with the highest percentage of households facing unmet need included South West hot spots Mandurah, Dawesville and Bunbury, as well as the Premier’s electorate of Rockingham.
*Unmet need means households are either experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes, or spending over 30 per cent of their income on rent.
Unmet Need
Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said acute need and housing stress is being felt across the state.
“North and Midwest regions are experiencing unmet need.”
“From metro areas to the regions, too many residents in Western Australia are experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes, or experiencing housing stress,” she said.
“This report shows that local government areas in our north and midwest regions are experiencing a very alarming level of unmet need.
“The East Kimberley region was already experiencing a high level of unmet need in WA, before the devastating floods. The recovery and rebuilding efforts need to factor this in.
“The report estimates in WA there will be at least 85,500 households in unmet need by 2041, and to meet this need, we will need to grow social and affordable housing stock by up to 8.7 per cent per year to meet current and projected demand,” Ms Snell concluded.
Additional Investment
CHIA CEO Wendy Hayhurst said the report highlighted the importance of a long term national housing strategy with clear targets to address the housing need right across Australia.
“There are currently 640,000 Australian households whose housing needs are not being met, and this figure is projected to increase to 940,000 by 2041,” she said.
“We will need to muster additional investment from Government.”
“The Commonwealth has laid important foundations for expanding social and affordable housing and it is reassuring to see them seriously grapple with this challenge. However we will need to muster additional investment from all levels of Government and superannuation funds to meet this challenge.
“It is hard to think of a higher priority than giving all Australians a stable and secure home.”
Quick Stats
The Community Housing Industry Association report found:
• On census night in 2021 Australian 640,000 low-income households were not in appropriate housing on census night. This is around one in fifteen households (6.6 per cent).
• These Australians were either experiencing homelessness, in overcrowded homes or spending over 30 per cent of their income on rent.
• Projecting this unmet need forward indicates that, by 2041, 940,000 households – or further 300,000 households – will not be living in appropriate housing.
• In WA this translates to at least 85,500 households in unmet need by 2041.
• To meet this need, stock will need to grow by between 2 – 9 per cent (or 200-900 dwellings) per year, per region, depending on the region.
Interactive Map (Unmet Housing Need (% of Total Households)
*Unmet need means households are either experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes, or spending over 30 per cent of their income on rent.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Red-Map-Graphic.png8001200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2023-01-31 07:03:592023-02-28 14:57:46The areas of Western Australia worst affected by housing stress
Community housing and homelessness sector peak body Shelter WA and the WA Alliance to End Homelessness congratulate the Minister for Housing on funding to transform Murray Street Hotel to supported accommodation for rough sleepers in the Perth CBD.
“We congratulate Minister Carey on this announcement and commend him on the momentum he is building in this space,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
Successful Model
“We are thrilled the WA government is building on the successful model demonstrated by Boorloo Bidee Mia, which provides culturally appropriate, intensive wrap-around support to people sleeping rough in Perth and transition them into stable and secure long-term accommodation.
“This investment will change lives.”
“We also acknowledge this announcement today follows a number of recent initiatives by the Minister, including $24 million to deliver 100 homes and support for people sleeping rough in partnership with Housing Choices, and over $39 million in grants for the community housing sector and local governments to deliver over 158 new social housing homes.
“This investment will change lives and provides another fantastic opportunity for the community housing sector to do what they do best: provide wraparound services and transition vulnerable people into safe, secure permanent homes,” Ms Snell concluded.
The latest data on the By-Name List shows there were 842 people experiencing homelessness in the Perth CBD, including 389 sleeping rough, at November 2022.
Housing First
“We commend the government’s leadership on Housing First,” David Pearson, Executive Officer WA Alliance to End Homelessness (WAAEH) said.
“Strongly welcomed step towards achieving that goal.”
“Ending homelessness is possible, but it will require more leadership, and more investments like this,” Mr Pearson concluded.
Fast Facts & Links
The By-Name List (BNL) Dashboard is updated monthly and indicates the level of need. View it here.
The most recent BNL data shows there were 842 total people experiencing homeless counted, including 389 sleeping rough and 453 in temporary shelters (at November 2022).
At this point, the BNL data shows 217 people on the BNL were permanently housed in 2022.
There were 18,975 households (33,535 people) including 4,257 priority applicants (8,685 people) on the social housing waitlist at September 2022.
The WA Alliance to End Homelessness
The WA Alliance To End Homelessness is a group of individuals and organisations that have come together to end homelessness in Western Australia. Since the publication of the WA Alliance’s Ten-Year Strategy to End Homelessness in 2018, the WA Alliance has been working to implement the Strategy, acting to support people and communities who share the common vision of ending homelessness.
Shelter WA
Shelter WA is the independent peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors. With 140 members, our strength is providing evidence-based policy, advice, engagement, representation and strong advocacy for an effective housing system.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Murray-Hotel-1200-x-800-RS.jpg8001200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2023-01-12 14:04:202023-06-09 11:36:09New homelessness service welcomed as one step closer to goal of ending rough sleeping by 2025
Peak community housing and homelessness body Shelter WA congratulates the Minister for Housing on funding that will see the community housing sector deliver 158 new social homes across WA.
“We congratulate Minister Carey on his commitment to doing everything he can to deliver new social housing as quickly as possible,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
Community Housing Sector
“We are thrilled that the WA government has supported the community housing sector so strongly in this package by investing over $39m to deliver 158 new homes on the ground. Not only will this investment see the delivery of high-quality, affordable rental homes to those in urgent need, but vitally, will enable our sector to grow and be able to leverage off this huge investment into the creation of more social and affordable homes on the ground.
“This announcement will provide a great relief.”
“It’s also wonderful to see the majority of this investment going to the regions, particularly in the South West, where communities have been facing unprecedented pressures including skyrocketing rents and essentially zero vacancies. This announcement will provide a great relief to families desperately waiting for a safe, secure home.”
The $39m package is the second round of funding from the $750m Social Housing Investment Fund announced in the 2021-22 State Budget, which was a record investment with the aim to boost WA’s social housing by 3,300 properties within four years.
Shelter WA Modelling
Modelling commissioned by Shelter WA recently found that government can save approximately 35 per cent on the full cost of social housing delivery by providing a capital grant to a community housing organisation compared to direct investment. (1) Similarly, the most recent investment of $50m by the NSW Government in 2021 through the Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF) will deliver more than 270 homes at a cost of around $185,000 per unit of housing, which is approximately 40 per cent of the cost than if it were provided directly by government.
“A game changer for our sector.”
“This investment will change the lives of 158 families – and is also a game changer for our sector. We are beyond thrilled to be able to showcase what is possible by working together with government as a delivery partner,” Ms Snell concluded.
Fast Facts
• There were 18,975 households (33,535 people) are on the social housing waitlist (2)
• The rental vacancy rate in the southwest is 0.1 per cent in Busselton, 0.2 per cent in Bunbury and 0.2 per cent in Albany and rent prices have risen by 27 per cent in Perth, 38 per cent in Bunbury, and 33 per cent in Busselton in the last two years (Source: SQM Research).
(1) Unpublished modelling conducted by Paxon Group (2022) on behalf of Shelter WA is available on request.
(2) Extract from Hansard (Tuesday, 11 October 2022) Public Housing – waitlist. Here.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Untitled-design-2022-11-13T122934.378-rs.jpg8001200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2022-11-13 12:30:532022-11-13 15:10:50Social Housing investment welcomed as a life changing boost to the regions
Shelter WA, the peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors, farewells a giant in the sector this week with the departure of CEO Michelle Mackenzie.
“The Board is immensely grateful for Michelle’s ongoing dedication to the organisation and the communities Shelter WA advocates so strongly for.” said Shelter WA Chair Kieran Wong.
“Michelle has tirelessly worked to bring about some systemic and significant changes for both Shelter and within the sector.
Viable Future
“Michelle leaves Shelter WA in a much stronger position – a financially secure and viable future; long term contracts in place; a solid and well-respected relationship with its members, other peak bodies, and external stakeholders.
“Under Michelle’s leadership we saw a record investment into social housing, a collaborative and productive relationship with the new Minister for Lands, Housing and Homelessness, and an unprecedented boost in profile and capacity to deliver across the sector.
“We have grown from six to twenty staff.”
“Since 2018 when Michelle first commenced as CEO, we have grown from six to twenty staff, fostered a collaborative and solutions focused relationship between the community housing and homelessness services sector and government, and have secured substantive and ongoing funding for much needed projects that supports our society’s most vulnerable.”
Community Housing Sector
Michelle’s tireless advocacy and fearless campaigning for an effective housing and support system that enables all to thrive has resulted in community housing sector as a delivery partner lifted exponentially.
“Most importantly she has seen the lives of those for whom Shelter WA advocates improved through increased awareness, support, and services across the community and from Government. This has been particularly critical during the pandemic, as the sector and Government have worked to coordinate services in a very dynamic and unpredictable context.
“Particularly critical during the pandemic.”
“While Michelle will be missed, we are thrilled for her that she will have the chance to pursue new opportunities in the Kimberley,” Mr Wong said.
Michelle’s last day will be Friday, 21 October 2022.
[L-R] Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell and Michelle Mackenzie
Board Welcomes Kath Snell
Shelter WA is also excited to announce the commencement of a new Chief Executive Officer Ms Kath Snell to take on the role after the current CEO Michelle Mackenzie finishes this week.
After a comprehensive recruitment process and a fruitful handover period, the Shelter WA Board were delighted to secure Kath Snell for the role.
“The Board believes that Kath will provide Shelter WA with strong advocacy, effective leadership and governance, and strengthen our ability to enhance the capacity and capability of the community housing and homelessness sectors.”
“Kath has a long career in the not-for-profit sector, most recently as CEO of United Way WA, and prior to this as CEO of Volunteer Task Force.
Previous Roles
In her previous roles she has demonstrated strong business development, effective advocacy and a depth of understanding of the role, impacts and need for an effective housing system for all West Australians. She has a Postgraduate in Psychology of Business and Management, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Tourism Management, Marketing Certificate from Chartered Institute of Marketing, and is a graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors.
“Kath is a strong advocate for social justice and supporter of empowering people living in disadvantage by centring the voices of people with diverse lived experiences.
“Empowering people living in disadvantage.”
“Kath is also passionate about workplace culture, and a big believer in the importance of work life balance and ensuring people working in a sector under unprecedented pressures are feeling supported, engaged and connected.
The Board and staff are excited by Kath’s appointment and look forward to the next stages of Shelter WA’s journey to ensure an effective housing system for all West Australians.”
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Untitled-design-2022-10-20T080931.719-rsss.jpg8001200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2022-10-20 08:10:332022-10-20 13:42:13Shelter WA thanks Michelle Mackenzie, welcomes new CEO Kath Snell
A group of 18 housing, ageing and disability advocacy organisations, as well as Shelter WA, have signed an open letter calling for Commerce Minister, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA to adopt the updated accessibility requirements for residential buildings.
In Western Australia, one in five people live with a disability and our ageing population is continuing to grow. Despite this, we continue to accept that a significant proportion of our population must either reside in homes that they cannot easily enter, move around in, or be forced to move into alternative accommodation.
State and territory building ministers will meet today as hosts to the Albanese government to review the provisions for residential housing and apartments in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 based on Livable Housing Design Guidelines (LHDG) silver standards.
Key Asks:
The Minister to support the adoption of the Liveable Housing Design Guideline (silver standard) for new homes at the Building Ministers Meeting on the 26 August 2022.
Adopt the updated accessibility requirements for residential buildings in the NCC 2022 update and to commit to a 12-month transition period to ensure time for industry training and education.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Untitled-design-29-cccc.jpg8001200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2022-08-26 06:28:232022-08-26 06:28:23Open Letter to Commerce Minister, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA
Western Australia’s leading animal rescue organisations have joined forces to call on the State Government to strengthen WA’s rental laws as current ‘no ground’ evictions and banned pets have resulted in large numbers of animals being surrendered at their shelters.
The RSPCA WA, Cat Haven and the Dogs’ Refuge Home have collectively written to the Premier calling for reform of the WA Residential Tenancies Act to allow pets to live in rental homes and the removal of ‘no ground’ evictions so people have the confidence to ask landlords if they can keep a pet in their home.
They argued that these two amendments alone would go a long way to making renting a more stable, secure and safe housing option for the 700,000 renters in Western Australia.
The Dogs’ Refuge Home reported 297 animals surrender applications in the first three months of 2022, with many people contacting them in emergency after other options for their dog had fallen through or an alternative couldn’t be found.
Dogs’ Refuge General Karen Rhodes said the large majority of those surrendered were from people unable to keep their animals due to the current laws.
“WA’s animal shelters are witnessing the heartbreaking impact of current tenancy law on both animals and their owners,” she said.
In 2022, Cat Haven cared for over 50 cats under their Emergency Boarding program with an expected number of more than 120 by the end of the year.
Cat Haven CEO Roz Robinson said some of the cats had been in care for over 4 months while their owners looked for suitable accommodation.
The Cat Haven has also received 1,525 owner surrenders in 2022 so far with many of these being from the lack of pet-friendly rentals on the market,” she said.
“There has been a significant rise in pet surrenders due to rental housing issues. The majority of rental properties do not allow pets, and when people are evicted and need to find a new home, securing a rental where they can take their pet is very difficult.”
RSPCA Chair Lynne Bradshaw said the current low number of rental properties available in Western Australia, coupled with the increase in many rental prices resulted in a sad consequence of renters who find themselves unable to secure accommodation that will accept their family pet.
“Sadly, many people have had to make the heartbreaking choice between surrendering their beloved pet or putting a roof over their family’s heads,” she said.
“As competition increases for rentals, it is sadly less likely for an application with pets to be accepted. Animal shelter staff regularly see the trauma of owners surrendering their pet, many of whom are viewed as family members. These owners are distraught having to have made the decision to either keep their pet or a home.”
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said a snapshot of available rentals on 18 August 2022 found 2592 WA rentals were listed on realestate.com.au, but only 384 properties or 14.8 per cent were listed as ‘pets considered’.
“We know people don’t want to give up their pets and we believe that the lack of rental security means tenants aren’t comfortable even asking if they can have a pet, fearing it will lead to eviction when their lease period ends,” she said.
“We have 700,000 renters in WA and they are living in homes where they can be evicted without any reason. Add to that the pressure of having to give up a beloved pet and it’s a very sad story for many people in the rental market.”
Fast facts and No grounds evictions and fixed term evictions clarifier
In WA, tenants can be evicted without any reason at any point during a periodic tenancy provided 60 days’ notice is given by the landlord.
Tenants can be evicted without any reason at the end of any fixed term tenancy provided with 30 days’ notice.
These reforms would remove “no reason” evictions for periodic tenancies and limit “no reason” evictions to the first fixed term tenancy, after which landlords would need to give a reason the tenant has breached the tenancy agreement.
Under the reforms, landlords will still be able to evict tenants who breach the tenancy agreement at any time with just 14 days’ notice.
In a rental market experiencing record low vacancy rates, this makes it extremely insecure for tenants, who are unlikely to assert their rights for repairs and maintenance for fear of eviction.
At July 2022 the rental vacancy rate in Perth remains at a historic low of 0.6 per cent. REIWA considers a balanced market as being somewhere between 2.5 and 3.5 per cent. (SQM Research, July 2022)
Independent polling has found overwhelming support for removing “no reason” evictions and ensuring other recommended protections, including a majority of landlords in favour of these reforms.
Polling released this morning by the Make Renting Fair campaign reveals that a large majority of West Australians support changes to make the rental market fairer.
The polling, conducted by Painted Dog Research, surveyed 819 Western Australians and shows 74 per cent support for removing “no reason” evictions and 74 per cent support for limiting rent increases to once a year.
Importantly polling showed an outright majority of private landlord’s support both changes, with 55 per cent support for removing no reason evictions and 58 per cent support for limiting rent increases from people who own a tenanted residential investment property.
These responses contradict recent claims from the real estate industry that these proposed reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act, if implemented by the government, will cause investors to leave the market.
Instead, 73 per cent of West Australians overall and 57 per cent of landlords, report that they support reforms to make the rental market fairer for tenants.
Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter WA, said, “Reforms to remove no reason terminations, limit rent increases and allow minor modifications to properties without penalty are backed overwhelmingly majority of West Australians, including a majority of landlords. This corroborates our independent review of the REIWA research, by the University of NSW, which showed that the methodology and assumptions within the REIWA study was flawed and not sound.
“Majority of Western Australians support increased security.”
“These findings should give the government confidence that the majority of Western Australians support increased security and stability for tenants in the WA rental market,” Louise Giolitto, CEO of WA Council of Social Services (WACOSS) said.
The polling also looked at other ways someone may have been impacted in their rental housing in the last twelve months.
Regrettably, the polling found that 1 in 20 tenants have experienced a “no reason” eviction in just the past 12 months, and nearly a quarter of tenants (24 per cent) fearful to ask for basic repairs to their home because of fear of eviction.
In response to record rental inflation in the last two years, 32 per cent of tenants reported receiving significant rent increases over the past year.
Almost a third (31 per cent) of tenants reported they are living in fear that the owner will sell the rental home and they will have nowhere to move.
“Stress and fear.”
Sarah Kane, CEO of Circle Green Community Legal, said: “It is heartbreaking that so many tenants currently live in such a state of stress and fear but in the current rental market, with rents increasing by 30 per cent over the past two years and a record low vacancy rate, it is unsurprising so many renters report feeling this pressure.”
Summary: Community Perceptions Poll Findings
Support for specific changes to tenancy laws:
85 per cent support increasing the amount of affordable rental housing in WA; and
Three quarters (73 per cent) support reforms to make the rental market fairer for tenants.
Support for specific changes to tenancy laws:
74 per cent support ensuring tenants can’t be evicted without a valid reason, including 86 per cent of tenants and 54 per cent of landlords
74 per cent support limiting rent increases to once per year, including 83 per cent of tenants and 58 per cent of landlords
Over two thirds (67 per cent support) allowing tenants to make minor modifications to make the house feel more like a home (on the provision it is returned to normal when they exit) including 77 per cent of tenants and 54 per cent of landlords
81 per cent support increasing access to tenant advice, advocacy and information, including 88 per cent of tenants and 71 per cent of landlords; and
A majority of landlords support all proposed changes: 55 per cent support removing no reason evictions, 58 per cent support limiting rent increases to once a year, and 54 per cent support allowing minor modifications.
Specific ways renters may have been impacted in their rental housing in the last twelve months:
Evictions: Five per cent had experienced an unreasonable termination of their tenancy, and 31 per cent live in fear that the owner will sell the rental home and they will have nowhere to move
Rental stress: 32 per cent had experienced significant rent increases and 35 per cent were paying over 30 per cent of their income on rent
Modifications: 16 per cent were not allowed to make reasonable modifications during their tenancy, and another 24 per cent felt fearful to ask for repairs or maintenance because they don’t want to be evicted
Standards: 33 per cent had lived in a property with poor standards (such as lack of insulation, heating or cooling, window coverings etc.)
The polling was conducted in August 2022 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=819, with a survey error of 3.96 per cent at the 95 per cent level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan and regional areas.
Detailed results – Community Perceptions Rental Poll Findings
(SHWA-2) To what extent would you support or oppose initiatives that aim to:
(SHWA-12) Recently, proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, have been reviewed. To what extent do you support or oppose:
(SHWA-13) Below are some other ways someone may or may not have been negatively impacted by the housing market in the last twelve months. Please select any which are true for you:
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145349-scaled-e1660613536525.jpg7371200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2022-08-15 21:28:342022-08-16 12:30:42Polling finds large majority of West Australians support legislative changes to make the rental market fairer
Social and affordable housing in Western Australia could be delivered and managed more efficiently by the Community Housing Sector under an innovative partnership model recommended by new research released today.
The report commissioned by Shelter WA from the Paxon Group highlights how a collaboration between Government and industry, in partnership with the community housing sector, can drive the supply of social and affordable housing.
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said the report was seminal research commissioned with funding from the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) via the Community Housing Industry Association of Australia.
“Community Housing Providers (CHPs) are able to manage assets at a lower cost per tenancy because their charitable status provides tax concessions, including GST concessions, that reduce the cost to deliver and maintain housing,” she said.
“Also, their ability to leverage government funding with funding from other sources including the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation, and the ability for their tenants to receive Commonwealth Rent Assistance supports the delivery of new homes. A key benefit is that CHPs reinvest any surplus back into housing to deliver more supply, retaining housing for the long-term benefit of the WA community. Some CHPs have developed important new affordable housing options for key workers, which has been critical given current pressures in the private rental market.
“The research provides direction on project structures, delivery mechanisms and financing options to maximise what partnerships work best, with Paxon undertaking modelling to understand the collaborative opportunities between Government and the community housing sector, to drive new housing supply.
“Research indicates that CHPs deliver better outcomes for tenants. Also, a number of CHPs provide bespoke services for particular groups of people including seniors, Aboriginal people and people with a disability, which enables them to focus on delivering great property and tenancy management services that meet all people’s needs.”
Western Australia’s community housing sector is made up of 266 organisations, managing 22 per cent of the state’s social housing between them, with a value of almost $2.5 billion.
“The WA government has demonstrated a renewed commitment to working with the community housing sector, which is very welcome,” said Ms Mackenzie.
“Meet a greater proportion of unmet need.”
“This report highlights additional opportunities to build on this partnership enabling government funding to meet a greater proportion of unmet need.”
There are currently 25 registered CHPs, with four Tier 1 registered CHPs with varying levels of presence in WA, six Tier 2s and with the majority of CHPs Tier 3 level.
Shelter WA is holding an online sector briefing on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.
Click here to register. Click here to read the report.
Media Contact
For interviews with CEO Michelle Mackenzie contact Sarah Quinton | 0439 439 233.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Untitled-design-46-rs-rs.jpg8001200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2022-08-10 05:36:132023-06-02 11:02:40Innovative partnerships to drive supply of social and affordable housing
Budget Briefing
/in Media Releases, NewsShelter WA, the peak body representing the community housing and homelessness sectors has again commended government on the social housing package, while describing the lack of significant funding for homelessness support services as a disappointing response to one of the worst homelessness crises in history.
“It’s a credit to the McGowan government to have one of the strongest economic positions in the world, and a $3.3 billion operating surplus,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
Social Housing Boost Strongly Welcomed
“We congratulate the Treasurer on the significant boost of $511 million into social housing in today’s budget, announced earlier this month, and commend the WA Government on the momentum they continue to build in this space.
“This funding will provide at least another 700 social homes, including a pilot program to provide 100 ‘supported landlord’ homes for people sleeping rough in the regions. It also introduces a new Keystart Loan Program for one-bedroom apartments and to enable customers to secure pre-sale off-the-plan properties.
“Our sector was thrilled by this much needed investment and is looking forward to continuing to work with government as a delivery partner to get new social homes on the ground as quickly as possible, whilst providing diverse, high-quality homes and wrap around services to tenants.
“Investment into social housing provides certainty to our sector and community and will change lives,” Ms Snell concluded.
Strong Economy Accompanied by Rise in Homelessness and Housing Stress
“While the state budget contains welcome investment into new social housing, we were hoping for an accompanying significant boost in funding to the specialist homelessness support services sector, which are at breaking point.
“WA’s strong economic performance has tragically corresponded with a worsening situation for a growing number of people experiencing homelessness and extreme rental stress.
“WA has enjoyed successive surpluses worth almost $17 billion over the last four years, yet over a similar period the number of people sleeping rough has doubled, rents have skyrocketed, and homeless support services are turning away record numbers of people.
“This is why we’ve been strongly advocating for a significant boost to specialist homelessness support services.
Watch Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell here
“The failure to deliver this uplift to these services sends a disappointing message to an already overstretched sector.
“The WA Government has committed to end rough sleeping by 2025 under its All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030. We look forward to continuing to work with government to provide the evidence and solutions that will help us meet this goal.”
Cost-of-living Package Welcomed, but no Rent Relief
The state budget includes a $715 million cost of living relief package, which will provide a $400 electricity credit for every Western Australian household, with households most in need, receiving up to $826 plus $650 for small businesses.
“We welcome the electricity credit contained in this budget, which will provide some relief for families struggling with the cost of living. We also welcome the $9 million over the next two years to Community Legal Centres across WA, who provide support and advocacy services to a growing number of struggling renters.
“We are disappointed however there was no dedicated rent relief package to assist renters facing significant hardship in the current rental market. We will continue to advocate for a rent relief package, to help hold renters where they are, and prevent further Western Australians entering into homelessness.”
Welcome Initiatives
The budget included a number of new commitments for housing and homelessness, which included:
In addition, $300m has been brought forward from the existing Social Housing Investment Funding (announced in 2021) including $254m for receipt of business cases for social housing and homelessness proposals, and $46m for the regional supportive landlord model.
Fast Facts & Links
New funding for social housing welcomed by sector
/in Media Releases, NewsPeak community housing and homelessness sector peak body Shelter WA has congratulated the Premier and Minister for Housing; Lands; Homelessness; Local Government on funding announced today to provide much needed investment into social housing in WA.
The measures provide an additional $450 million investment in the existing Social Housing Investment Fund.
“We congratulate the Premier and Minister John Carey MLA on this announcement today and commend them on the momentum they continue to build in this space,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
“Investment of this scale provides certainty to our sector and community, and will change lives.
“Our sector is looking forward to continuing to work with government as a delivery partner to get new social homes on the ground as quickly as possible, whilst providing diverse, high-quality homes and wrap around services to tenants.
“We acknowledge this announcement follows a number of recent initiatives by the Minister, including $23m to deliver 100 homes and support for people sleeping rough, in partnership with Housing Choices, and over $39 million in grants for the community housing sector and local governments to deliver over 158 new social housing homes.
People Sleeping Rough
“We are thrilled the WA Government is providing funding for a pilot to provide 100 ‘supported landlord’ homes for people sleeping rough in the regions, based on the successful model provided by Housing Choices, which provides intensive wrap-around support to transition people sleeping rough into stable and secure long-term accommodation.
[L-R] Michael Piu CEO, St Pat’s; Louise Giolitto CEO, WACOSS; Kath Snell CEO, Shelter WA; Natalie Sangalli CEO, Housing Choices; Sean Kelly State Manager, Community Housing Limited; Shane Ogilvie Bethanie Housing CEO; Michael Chester Co-Chief Executive Officer, Uniting WA
“The WA Government has committed to end rough sleeping by 2025 under its All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030. Today’s announcement is a much needed and strongly welcomed step towards achieving that bold but achievable goal.
Keystart
“We also welcome the amendments to Keystart’s pilot Urban Connect program that will mean one-bedroom apartments are now eligible under Urban Connect, and a new Keystart Loan Program will also be introduced to enable customers to secure pre-sale off-the-plan properties.
“Shelter WA supports measures like Keystart and low-deposit loan scheme that are well-targeted and administered effectively and considerate of borrowing capacity,” Ms Snell concluded.
Fast Facts & Links
– Perth 846 currently homeless
(416 sleeping rough, 430 temporarily sheltered)
– Bunbury 99 currently homeless
(52 rough sleeping, 47 temporarily sheltered)
– Geraldton 64 currently homeless
(36 rough sleeping, 28 temporarily sheltered)
– Mandurah 135 currently homeless
(80 rough sleeping, 55 temporarily sheltered)
– Rockingham 126 currently homeless
(88 sleeping rough, 38 temporarily sheltered)
Shelter WA
Shelter WA is the independent peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors. With 140 members, our strength is providing evidence-based policy, advice, engagement, representation and strong advocacy for an effective housing system.
Media Enquiries
Chantal Caruso, Shelter WA | E: chantal@shelterwa.org.au | M: 0447 201 377.
Establishment of Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group
/in Media Releases, NewsKath Snell, Chief Executive Officer, Shelter WA; and David Pearson, Executive Officer, WA Alliance to End Homelessness; have been appointed, amongst other sector representatives, to the Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group to guide and support implementation of All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030 (Strategy).
The Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group will support and guide implementation of the Strategy and provide advice to the Minister for Homelessness, Hon. John Carey MLA about reforms towards a Housing First and No Wrong Door approach across the homelessness sector, including addressing barriers in the system.
Shelter WA, the peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors is proud to have been appointed to the Advisory Group.
Advisory Group
“The Advisory Group includes members with expertise over a range of areas including tenancy law, front line support services, local government and Community Housing Organisations,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
“Shelter WA is thrilled to be appointed to the Group and acknowledge our appointment was in recognition of the expertise at Shelter WA, and our ability to provide evidence based, frank and solutions-based advice to government.
“We also take this opportunity to clarify that members of the advisory group were selected via an independent process within the Department of Communities and congratulate the Department for moving this process forward.
Lived Experience
“Meaningful Lived Experience engagement is an area Shelter WA is focused and committed to. We look forward to conversations with Department of Communities, where there this topic is given the attention, it deserves and requires to be brought to life.
“We are pleased the Advisory Committee has a dedicated Lived Experience Community Member as part of its make-up, and value the importance of this voice and viewpoint.
“We also look forward to working with the diverse members of the committee, and see this as an opportunity to share opinion, information and research on the current homelessness drivers and influences this state is experiencing,” Ms Snell concluded.
Homelessness Support
The WA Alliance to End Homelessness (WAAEH) is also represented on the Advisory Group.
“Ending homelessness is possible and I feel very privileged to have been asked to join the new Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group to help drive the focus on seeking to end homelessness, not just manage its consequences,” WAAEH Executive Officer David Pearson said.
“I am looking forward to working with the impressive range of people and organisations who have also been tasked with helping to implement WA’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness – which has seen nation-leading investments in efforts to end homelessness and a strong focus on Housing First.
“Homelessness is a complex problem, that in most places is getting worse, not better, but it is a solvable problem. To do so, it takes many things including a strategy that actually seeks to solve the problem and is supported by a dedicated group of people working towards that goal. Great to see these two things being put in place.
“There is so much more that can and needs to be done, looking forward to the challenge,” Mr Pearson concluded.
Appointees
The Group, which will meet quarterly, will be chaired by Mr Mike Rowe, Director General of Communities.
The 16 other members are:
About Us
Shelter WA is the independent peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors. With 140 members, our strength is providing evidence-based policy, advice, engagement, representation and strong advocacy for an effective housing system.
The WA Alliance To End Homelessness is a group of individuals and organisations that have come together to end homelessness in Western Australia. Since the publication of the WA Alliance’s Ten-Year Strategy to End Homelessness in 2018, the WA Alliance has been working to implement the Strategy, acting to support people and communities who share the common vision of ending homelessness.
Media Enquiries
Chantal Caruso, Shelter WA | E: chantal@shelterwa.org.au | M: 0447 201 377.
New census data shows WA rough sleeping has doubled in five years and is the worst in Australia
/in Media Releases, NewsPeak community housing and homelessness sector body Shelter WA and the WA Alliance to End Homelessness are shocked at new data showing significant increases to homelessness and the number of people rough sleeping more than doubling since the last census.
The release of Estimating Homelessness data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today shows that Western Australia is failing in its response to homelessness.
Homelessness Increase
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Western Australia has increased by eight per cent to a total of 9,729 people in the five years between the 2016 and 2021 Census – an increase of over 720 people since 2016.
People Sleeping Rough
In a distressing trend, the number of Western Australians sleeping rough increased by 113.8 per cent between census periods, from 1,083 in 2016 to 2,315 people in 2021.
WA now has the highest proportion of all states and territories of people living in improvised dwellings, tents, sleeping out (aka rough sleepers). People sleeping rough now account for one quarter (23.8 per cent) of the total homelessness population – up from 12 per cent in 2016.
This is by far the highest of all states and territories and bucks the national trend which saw rough sleeping decrease from seven per cent to 6.2 per cent as a proportion of total homelessness.
Rough sleeper numbers across Australia actually dropped by 6.9 per cent since the last census.
WA’s rough sleeping is now three times the national average, or put another way, almost one in three (30.3 per cent) rough sleepers in Australian are in WA.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has increased significantly by 29 per cent from 2,618 to 3,378 people in 2021.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now make up 35 per cent of WA’s total homeless population, up from 29 per cent in 2016, and despite comprising just 3.3 per cent of the WA population.
In 2021, WA has second highest rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander homelessness – 381 per 10,000 people. Only NT has higher rate than WA (1,865 per 10,000).
Older People
The number of older people experiencing homelessness has increased significantly. The number of people over 55 experiencing homelessness has increased by 23.7 per cent in WA, up from 1,500 in 2016 to 1,855 people in 2021.
Couch Surfing
Number of couch surfing, or ‘staying temporarily with others’ increased in WA by 8.9 per cent, from 1,950 to 2,125 people.
Severe Overcrowding
In some good news, the number and proportion of Western Australians living in severe overcrowding is down from the previous Census, dropping from 3,871 individuals in 2016 to 2,935 in 2021 –representing a decrease of 24.2 per cent. (‘Severely overcrowded’ means living in a house requiring four or more bedrooms to accommodate the people living there.)
Statements
These comments are attributable to Shelter WA and the WA Alliance to End Homelessness (WAAEH).
Shelter WA is the peak body representing the community housing and homelessness sector.
Ms Kath Snell, Chief Executive Officer of Shelter WA said:
“These figures are devastating and demonstrate Western Australia’s responses to housing and homelessness is not making an impact in reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness.
“This data demonstrates what we have been saying for years – that our services are overwhelmed, we are witnessing record numbers of people being turned away with nowhere to go – and there is an urgent need for more investment into homelessness services and faster pathways for social and affordable housing.
“We commend the WA Government on its commitment to delivering more social housing, and modest increases to homelessness services in the last few years. However, we appreciate they are playing catch up after years of under investment in social housing, and we need a response that matches the need.
“We also need to tackle this in a holistic way – looking at prevention and diversion programs to prevent people entering into homelessness, especially from the private rental market, emergency relief for households in crisis in the private rental market, a plan for tenants who will lose their National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) properties, and innovative fast build accommodation and housing.
“We are proud of the tireless work our members do on the frontline, many of whom feel they are almost at breaking point. With everyone in this sector working hard, figures like these are startling and heartbreaking.
“If we want to see the reduction in the numbers of people experiencing homelessness in the next Census, and if the WA government is serious about ending rough sleeping by 2025 we need to act now and act with urgency,” Ms Snell concluded.
David Pearson, WAAEH said:
“The overall picture painted by the Census data is a bad situation getting worse.
“The data reveals we have a particular challenge with rough sleeping, which is no doubt significantly influenced by the fact that while other states made significant investments in providing temporary shelter and in some cases ongoing housing for people experiencing rough sleeping when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, the same didn’t occur in WA.
“It is worth noting that the Governments leadership on efforts to end rough sleeping are showing signs of progress, because since this census data was collected 19 months ago, the by-name list data is showing reductions since then, as reflect on the WAAEH data dashboard.
“The data also reveals a concerning increase in Aboriginal homelessness, this needs to be urgently addressed,” Mr Pearson concluded.
Solutions
Shelter WA’s 2023-24 Pre-Budget Submission seeks commitments that would immediately address the homelessness crisis in WA, including:
“We need greater investment in homelessness, services. WA has the worst turn away rates in the country and our total annual spending on homelessness is the second lowest in the country and way below the national average, according to the 2023 Report on Government Services for Homelessness.
“In relation to rough sleeping, we need to expand the Advance to Zero efforts beyond the existing five regions, and based on this data, the (delayed) Common Ground supportive housing when built won’t be enough to meet the existing demand, and so need to be expanded.
Data
The WA Alliance to End Homelessness points out that “whilst the numbers in this census are concerning, what should alarm all Western Australians is that this data, released today, is already nineteen months-old. You can’t change what you don’t measure, and in Australia we don’t really measure how much homelessness there is, we only estimate it every five years.
“Imagine how we’d manage problems like unemployment if we estimated what was going on every five years and then took 588 days to release it.
“The WA Alliance to End Homelessness, though our Advance to Zero Campaign, and with the support of a range of partners including the State Government, have set about providing monthly actual or By-Name list data, not just estimates as the census is calculated on.
The problem is, this data is only collected in five communities, Perth/Fremantle, Bunbury, Mandurah, Rockingham and Geraldton.
“In relation to rough sleeping, we need to expand the Advance to Zero efforts beyond the existing five regions, and based on this data, the (delayed) Common Ground supportive housing when built won’t be enough to meet the existing demand, and so need to be expanded,” Mr Pearson concluded.
SUMMARY OF FIGURES
Total Homelessness
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Homelessness
Youth 12 – 24 YO
Children Under 18
Older People Age 55+
Gender
Disability
Rough Sleeping
(NB: ‘severely overcrowded’ means living in a house requiring four or more bedrooms to accommodate the people living there. Anything less is ‘other overcrowded’ or marginal accommodation)
Temporary Lodging & Couch Surfing
ABS Data
Read Shelter WA’s 2021 ABS Census Data Summary
Read the full (via the ABS website) amount of data Estimating Homelessness: Census.
Media Enquiries
Chantal Caruso, Shelter WA | E: chantal@shelterwa.org.au | M: 0447 201 377.
Figures on deaths among people who experienced homelessness require solutions-focused health and housing response
/in Media Releases, NewsFigures released this week showing that there were 107 deaths in 2022 amongst people who were homeless or who had experienced homelessness in Perth in the six years prior to their deaths has reiterated Shelter WA’s stance for an urgent response to better integrate homelessness services and healthcare.
“The numbers of deaths and very low average age of death (50 years) is absolutely devastating and speaks to the urgency of faster pathways for public housing, particularly for people with chronic health conditions,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
Enormous Toll
“We understand and commend the efforts the WA Government is making to deliver much needed social housing, but the data released this week by The University of Notre Dame demonstrates a need to work more closely together to address more complex health and morbidity issues.
“Adding to the problem is the lack of suitable housing across WA, along with pressured often underfunded homelessness services that are seeing huge spikes in demand, along with a lack of basic renters’ rights.
“We are proud of the tireless work our members do on the frontline, many of whom are feeling the pain of people on housing waitlists and needing services. With everyone in this sector working hard, figures like these are startling and heartbreaking, and remind of us of the enormous toll of homelessness and insecure housing on health.
“We are grateful and supportive of the vital work by Professor Lisa Wood and her passionate team at Notre Dame University. While this evidence is uncomfortable and unpleasant to read, it’s a requirement to better understand the impact of the housing and homelessness crisis.
“Shelter WA recognises homelessness can result from health-related factors, but not having a safe place to live also causes and worsens health problems, we see and hear this repeatedly from our members. People experiencing homelessness experience significantly higher rates of chronic illness and disability than the general population and face many barriers to accessing preventive healthcare.
“Without suitable housing and appropriate wrap around supports, many people are trapped into a cycle of long-term homelessness and in effect caught in a revolving hospital door in the Western Australian public health system. This is costly, inefficient and unethical.
“Shelter WA will continue to strongly advocate for urgently needed investment into homelessness and health services, as well as prioritised housing and supported accommodation for people with deteriorating health,” Ms Snell concluded.
The WA Government acquisition of the 30-room former Murray Street Hotel, to be transformed into supported accommodation for people sleeping rough
New Investment
Shelter WA’s 2023-24 Pre-Budget Submission seeks commitments including:
In August 2022 Shelter WA provided a series of recommendations to government following last year’s Homelessness Week on the theme of ‘Housing, Homelessness and Health’, which included:
Shelter WA
Shelter WA is the independent peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors. With over 100 members, our strength is providing evidence-based policy, advice, engagement, representation and strong advocacy for an effective housing system.
Media Enquiries
Chantal Caruso, Shelter WA | E: chantal@shelterwa.org.au | M: 0447 201 377.
The areas of Western Australia worst affected by housing stress
/in Media Releases, NewsThe areas of Western Australia suffering most from housing stress have been revealed in a landmark report by the Community Housing Industry Association.
The analysis by CHIA and the UNSW City Futures Research Centre based on census data has found on average, 5.4 per cent of households in Perth and 5.2 per cent in Regional WA are not appropriately housed.
This means they are either experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes or spending over 30 per cent of their income on rent.
Worst Affected
In WA, the ten worst affected Local Government Areas are Wiluna, where 47.5 per cent, or 100 households, are not appropriately housed. This is followed by Menzies (45.5 per cent), Laverton (42.5 per cent), Murchison (39 per cent), Upper Gascoyne (27.5 per cent), Carnamah (22.8 per cent), Mount Magnet (21.4 per cent), Sandstone (19.8 per cent), Morawa (18 per cent) and Shark Bay (17.9 per cent). All ten are regional areas.
The state electoral seats with the highest percentage of households facing unmet need included South West hot spots Mandurah, Dawesville and Bunbury, as well as the Premier’s electorate of Rockingham.
*Unmet need means households are either experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes, or spending over 30 per cent of their income on rent.
Unmet Need
Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said acute need and housing stress is being felt across the state.
“From metro areas to the regions, too many residents in Western Australia are experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes, or experiencing housing stress,” she said.
“This report shows that local government areas in our north and midwest regions are experiencing a very alarming level of unmet need.
“The East Kimberley region was already experiencing a high level of unmet need in WA, before the devastating floods. The recovery and rebuilding efforts need to factor this in.
“The report estimates in WA there will be at least 85,500 households in unmet need by 2041, and to meet this need, we will need to grow social and affordable housing stock by up to 8.7 per cent per year to meet current and projected demand,” Ms Snell concluded.
Additional Investment
CHIA CEO Wendy Hayhurst said the report highlighted the importance of a long term national housing strategy with clear targets to address the housing need right across Australia.
“There are currently 640,000 Australian households whose housing needs are not being met, and this figure is projected to increase to 940,000 by 2041,” she said.
“The Commonwealth has laid important foundations for expanding social and affordable housing and it is reassuring to see them seriously grapple with this challenge. However we will need to muster additional investment from all levels of Government and superannuation funds to meet this challenge.
“It is hard to think of a higher priority than giving all Australians a stable and secure home.”
Quick Stats
The Community Housing Industry Association report found:
• On census night in 2021 Australian 640,000 low-income households were not in appropriate housing on census night. This is around one in fifteen households (6.6 per cent).
• These Australians were either experiencing homelessness, in overcrowded homes or spending over 30 per cent of their income on rent.
• Projecting this unmet need forward indicates that, by 2041, 940,000 households – or further 300,000 households – will not be living in appropriate housing.
• In WA this translates to at least 85,500 households in unmet need by 2041.
• To meet this need, stock will need to grow by between 2 – 9 per cent (or 200-900 dwellings) per year, per region, depending on the region.
Interactive Map (Unmet Housing Need (% of Total Households)
Media Enquiries
Chantal Caruso, Shelter WA | E: chantal@shelterwa.org.au | M: 0447 201 377.
*Unmet need means households are either experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes, or spending over 30 per cent of their income on rent.
New homelessness service welcomed as one step closer to goal of ending rough sleeping by 2025
/in Media Releases, NewsCommunity housing and homelessness sector peak body Shelter WA and the WA Alliance to End Homelessness congratulate the Minister for Housing on funding to transform Murray Street Hotel to supported accommodation for rough sleepers in the Perth CBD.
“We congratulate Minister Carey on this announcement and commend him on the momentum he is building in this space,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
Successful Model
“We are thrilled the WA government is building on the successful model demonstrated by Boorloo Bidee Mia, which provides culturally appropriate, intensive wrap-around support to people sleeping rough in Perth and transition them into stable and secure long-term accommodation.
“We also acknowledge this announcement today follows a number of recent initiatives by the Minister, including $24 million to deliver 100 homes and support for people sleeping rough in partnership with Housing Choices, and over $39 million in grants for the community housing sector and local governments to deliver over 158 new social housing homes.
“This investment will change lives and provides another fantastic opportunity for the community housing sector to do what they do best: provide wraparound services and transition vulnerable people into safe, secure permanent homes,” Ms Snell concluded.
The latest data on the By-Name List shows there were 842 people experiencing homelessness in the Perth CBD, including 389 sleeping rough, at November 2022.
Housing First
“We commend the government’s leadership on Housing First,” David Pearson, Executive Officer WA Alliance to End Homelessness (WAAEH) said.
“The government has committed to end rough sleeping by 2025 under its All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030. This announcement is a much needed and strongly welcomed step towards achieving that bold but achievable goal.
“Ending homelessness is possible, but it will require more leadership, and more investments like this,” Mr Pearson concluded.
Fast Facts & Links
The WA Alliance to End Homelessness
The WA Alliance To End Homelessness is a group of individuals and organisations that have come together to end homelessness in Western Australia. Since the publication of the WA Alliance’s Ten-Year Strategy to End Homelessness in 2018, the WA Alliance has been working to implement the Strategy, acting to support people and communities who share the common vision of ending homelessness.
Shelter WA
Shelter WA is the independent peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors. With 140 members, our strength is providing evidence-based policy, advice, engagement, representation and strong advocacy for an effective housing system.
Social Housing investment welcomed as a life changing boost to the regions
/in Media Releases, NewsPeak community housing and homelessness body Shelter WA congratulates the Minister for Housing on funding that will see the community housing sector deliver 158 new social homes across WA.
“We congratulate Minister Carey on his commitment to doing everything he can to deliver new social housing as quickly as possible,” Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said.
Community Housing Sector
“We are thrilled that the WA government has supported the community housing sector so strongly in this package by investing over $39m to deliver 158 new homes on the ground. Not only will this investment see the delivery of high-quality, affordable rental homes to those in urgent need, but vitally, will enable our sector to grow and be able to leverage off this huge investment into the creation of more social and affordable homes on the ground.
“It’s also wonderful to see the majority of this investment going to the regions, particularly in the South West, where communities have been facing unprecedented pressures including skyrocketing rents and essentially zero vacancies. This announcement will provide a great relief to families desperately waiting for a safe, secure home.”
The $39m package is the second round of funding from the $750m Social Housing Investment Fund announced in the 2021-22 State Budget, which was a record investment with the aim to boost WA’s social housing by 3,300 properties within four years.
Shelter WA Modelling
Modelling commissioned by Shelter WA recently found that government can save approximately 35 per cent on the full cost of social housing delivery by providing a capital grant to a community housing organisation compared to direct investment. (1) Similarly, the most recent investment of $50m by the NSW Government in 2021 through the Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF) will deliver more than 270 homes at a cost of around $185,000 per unit of housing, which is approximately 40 per cent of the cost than if it were provided directly by government.
“This investment will change the lives of 158 families – and is also a game changer for our sector. We are beyond thrilled to be able to showcase what is possible by working together with government as a delivery partner,” Ms Snell concluded.
Fast Facts
• There were 18,975 households (33,535 people) are on the social housing waitlist (2)
• The rental vacancy rate in the southwest is 0.1 per cent in Busselton, 0.2 per cent in Bunbury and 0.2 per cent in Albany and rent prices have risen by 27 per cent in Perth, 38 per cent in Bunbury, and 33 per cent in Busselton in the last two years (Source: SQM Research).
Media enquiries:
Chantal Caruso, Shelter WA | E: chantal@shelterwa.org.au | M: 0447 201 377.
(1) Unpublished modelling conducted by Paxon Group (2022) on behalf of Shelter WA is available on request.
(2) Extract from Hansard (Tuesday, 11 October 2022) Public Housing – waitlist. Here.
Shelter WA thanks Michelle Mackenzie, welcomes new CEO Kath Snell
/in Media Releases, NewsShelter WA, the peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors, farewells a giant in the sector this week with the departure of CEO Michelle Mackenzie.
“The Board is immensely grateful for Michelle’s ongoing dedication to the organisation and the communities Shelter WA advocates so strongly for.” said Shelter WA Chair Kieran Wong.
“Michelle has tirelessly worked to bring about some systemic and significant changes for both Shelter and within the sector.
Viable Future
“Michelle leaves Shelter WA in a much stronger position – a financially secure and viable future; long term contracts in place; a solid and well-respected relationship with its members, other peak bodies, and external stakeholders.
“Under Michelle’s leadership we saw a record investment into social housing, a collaborative and productive relationship with the new Minister for Lands, Housing and Homelessness, and an unprecedented boost in profile and capacity to deliver across the sector.
“Since 2018 when Michelle first commenced as CEO, we have grown from six to twenty staff, fostered a collaborative and solutions focused relationship between the community housing and homelessness services sector and government, and have secured substantive and ongoing funding for much needed projects that supports our society’s most vulnerable.”
Community Housing Sector
Michelle’s tireless advocacy and fearless campaigning for an effective housing and support system that enables all to thrive has resulted in community housing sector as a delivery partner lifted exponentially.
“Most importantly she has seen the lives of those for whom Shelter WA advocates improved through increased awareness, support, and services across the community and from Government. This has been particularly critical during the pandemic, as the sector and Government have worked to coordinate services in a very dynamic and unpredictable context.
“While Michelle will be missed, we are thrilled for her that she will have the chance to pursue new opportunities in the Kimberley,” Mr Wong said.
Michelle’s last day will be Friday, 21 October 2022.
[L-R] Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell and Michelle Mackenzie
Board Welcomes Kath Snell
Shelter WA is also excited to announce the commencement of a new Chief Executive Officer Ms Kath Snell to take on the role after the current CEO Michelle Mackenzie finishes this week.
After a comprehensive recruitment process and a fruitful handover period, the Shelter WA Board were delighted to secure Kath Snell for the role.
“The Board believes that Kath will provide Shelter WA with strong advocacy, effective leadership and governance, and strengthen our ability to enhance the capacity and capability of the community housing and homelessness sectors.”
“Kath has a long career in the not-for-profit sector, most recently as CEO of United Way WA, and prior to this as CEO of Volunteer Task Force.
Previous Roles
In her previous roles she has demonstrated strong business development, effective advocacy and a depth of understanding of the role, impacts and need for an effective housing system for all West Australians. She has a Postgraduate in Psychology of Business and Management, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Tourism Management, Marketing Certificate from Chartered Institute of Marketing, and is a graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors.
“Kath is a strong advocate for social justice and supporter of empowering people living in disadvantage by centring the voices of people with diverse lived experiences.
“Kath is also passionate about workplace culture, and a big believer in the importance of work life balance and ensuring people working in a sector under unprecedented pressures are feeling supported, engaged and connected.
The Board and staff are excited by Kath’s appointment and look forward to the next stages of Shelter WA’s journey to ensure an effective housing system for all West Australians.”
Media enquiries:
Chantal Caruso, Shelter WA | E: chantal@shelterwa.org.au | M: 0447 201 377.
Open Letter to Commerce Minister, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA
/in Media Releases, NewsA group of 18 housing, ageing and disability advocacy organisations, as well as Shelter WA, have signed an open letter calling for Commerce Minister, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA to adopt the updated accessibility requirements for residential buildings.
Read the Open Letter here.
In Western Australia, one in five people live with a disability and our ageing population is continuing to grow. Despite this, we continue to accept that a significant proportion of our population must either reside in homes that they cannot easily enter, move around in, or be forced to move into alternative accommodation.
State and territory building ministers will meet today as hosts to the Albanese government to review the provisions for residential housing and apartments in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 based on Livable Housing Design Guidelines (LHDG) silver standards.
Key Asks:
Pet rescue shelters call for rental reform
/in Media ReleasesWestern Australia’s leading animal rescue organisations have joined forces to call on the State Government to strengthen WA’s rental laws as current ‘no ground’ evictions and banned pets have resulted in large numbers of animals being surrendered at their shelters.
The RSPCA WA, Cat Haven and the Dogs’ Refuge Home have collectively written to the Premier calling for reform of the WA Residential Tenancies Act to allow pets to live in rental homes and the removal of ‘no ground’ evictions so people have the confidence to ask landlords if they can keep a pet in their home.
They argued that these two amendments alone would go a long way to making renting a more stable, secure and safe housing option for the 700,000 renters in Western Australia.
The Dogs’ Refuge Home reported 297 animals surrender applications in the first three months of 2022, with many people contacting them in emergency after other options for their dog had fallen through or an alternative couldn’t be found.
Dogs’ Refuge General Karen Rhodes said the large majority of those surrendered were from people unable to keep their animals due to the current laws.
In 2022, Cat Haven cared for over 50 cats under their Emergency Boarding program with an expected number of more than 120 by the end of the year.
Cat Haven CEO Roz Robinson said some of the cats had been in care for over 4 months while their owners looked for suitable accommodation.
The Cat Haven has also received 1,525 owner surrenders in 2022 so far with many of these being from the lack of pet-friendly rentals on the market,” she said.
“There has been a significant rise in pet surrenders due to rental housing issues. The majority of rental properties do not allow pets, and when people are evicted and need to find a new home, securing a rental where they can take their pet is very difficult.”
RSPCA Chair Lynne Bradshaw said the current low number of rental properties available in Western Australia, coupled with the increase in many rental prices resulted in a sad consequence of renters who find themselves unable to secure accommodation that will accept their family pet.
“As competition increases for rentals, it is sadly less likely for an application with pets to be accepted. Animal shelter staff regularly see the trauma of owners surrendering their pet, many of whom are viewed as family members. These owners are distraught having to have made the decision to either keep their pet or a home.”
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said a snapshot of available rentals on 18 August 2022 found 2592 WA rentals were listed on realestate.com.au, but only 384 properties or 14.8 per cent were listed as ‘pets considered’.
“We know people don’t want to give up their pets and we believe that the lack of rental security means tenants aren’t comfortable even asking if they can have a pet, fearing it will lead to eviction when their lease period ends,” she said.
“We have 700,000 renters in WA and they are living in homes where they can be evicted without any reason. Add to that the pressure of having to give up a beloved pet and it’s a very sad story for many people in the rental market.”
Fast facts and No grounds evictions and fixed term evictions clarifier
Media contact:
Shelter WA – Sarah Quinton 0439439233
RSPCA – Alex Newbegin 0437069853
Dogs’ Refuge – Karen Rhodes 0421 900 225
Cat Haven – Amber Ashford 0498111272
Polling finds large majority of West Australians support legislative changes to make the rental market fairer
/in Media Releases, NewsIndependent polling has found overwhelming support for removing “no reason” evictions and ensuring other recommended protections, including a majority of landlords in favour of these reforms.
Polling released this morning by the Make Renting Fair campaign reveals that a large majority of West Australians support changes to make the rental market fairer.
The polling, conducted by Painted Dog Research, surveyed 819 Western Australians and shows 74 per cent support for removing “no reason” evictions and 74 per cent support for limiting rent increases to once a year.
Importantly polling showed an outright majority of private landlord’s support both changes, with 55 per cent support for removing no reason evictions and 58 per cent support for limiting rent increases from people who own a tenanted residential investment property.
These responses contradict recent claims from the real estate industry that these proposed reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act, if implemented by the government, will cause investors to leave the market.
Instead, 73 per cent of West Australians overall and 57 per cent of landlords, report that they support reforms to make the rental market fairer for tenants.
Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter WA, said, “Reforms to remove no reason terminations, limit rent increases and allow minor modifications to properties without penalty are backed overwhelmingly majority of West Australians, including a majority of landlords. This corroborates our independent review of the REIWA research, by the University of NSW, which showed that the methodology and assumptions within the REIWA study was flawed and not sound.
“These findings should give the government confidence that the majority of Western Australians support increased security and stability for tenants in the WA rental market,” Louise Giolitto, CEO of WA Council of Social Services (WACOSS) said.
The polling also looked at other ways someone may have been impacted in their rental housing in the last twelve months.
Regrettably, the polling found that 1 in 20 tenants have experienced a “no reason” eviction in just the past 12 months, and nearly a quarter of tenants (24 per cent) fearful to ask for basic repairs to their home because of fear of eviction.
In response to record rental inflation in the last two years, 32 per cent of tenants reported receiving significant rent increases over the past year.
Almost a third (31 per cent) of tenants reported they are living in fear that the owner will sell the rental home and they will have nowhere to move.
Sarah Kane, CEO of Circle Green Community Legal, said: “It is heartbreaking that so many tenants currently live in such a state of stress and fear but in the current rental market, with rents increasing by 30 per cent over the past two years and a record low vacancy rate, it is unsurprising so many renters report feeling this pressure.”
Summary: Community Perceptions Poll Findings
Support for specific changes to tenancy laws:
Support for specific changes to tenancy laws:
Specific ways renters may have been impacted in their rental housing in the last twelve months:
The polling was conducted in August 2022 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=819, with a survey error of 3.96 per cent at the 95 per cent level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan and regional areas.
Detailed results – Community Perceptions Rental Poll Findings
(SHWA-2) To what extent would you support or oppose initiatives that aim to:
(SHWA-12) Recently, proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, have been reviewed. To what extent do you support or oppose:
(SHWA-13) Below are some other ways someone may or may not have been negatively impacted by the housing market in the last twelve months. Please select any which are true for you:
Innovative partnerships to drive supply of social and affordable housing
/in Media ReleasesSocial and affordable housing in Western Australia could be delivered and managed more efficiently by the Community Housing Sector under an innovative partnership model recommended by new research released today.
The report commissioned by Shelter WA from the Paxon Group highlights how a collaboration between Government and industry, in partnership with the community housing sector, can drive the supply of social and affordable housing.
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said the report was seminal research commissioned with funding from the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) via the Community Housing Industry Association of Australia.
“Community Housing Providers (CHPs) are able to manage assets at a lower cost per tenancy because their charitable status provides tax concessions, including GST concessions, that reduce the cost to deliver and maintain housing,” she said.
“Also, their ability to leverage government funding with funding from other sources including the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation, and the ability for their tenants to receive Commonwealth Rent Assistance supports the delivery of new homes. A key benefit is that CHPs reinvest any surplus back into housing to deliver more supply, retaining housing for the long-term benefit of the WA community. Some CHPs have developed important new affordable housing options for key workers, which has been critical given current pressures in the private rental market.
“The research provides direction on project structures, delivery mechanisms and financing options to maximise what partnerships work best, with Paxon undertaking modelling to understand the collaborative opportunities between Government and the community housing sector, to drive new housing supply.
“Research indicates that CHPs deliver better outcomes for tenants. Also, a number of CHPs provide bespoke services for particular groups of people including seniors, Aboriginal people and people with a disability, which enables them to focus on delivering great property and tenancy management services that meet all people’s needs.”
Western Australia’s community housing sector is made up of 266 organisations, managing 22 per cent of the state’s social housing between them, with a value of almost $2.5 billion.
“The WA government has demonstrated a renewed commitment to working with the community housing sector, which is very welcome,” said Ms Mackenzie.
“This report highlights additional opportunities to build on this partnership enabling government funding to meet a greater proportion of unmet need.”
There are currently 25 registered CHPs, with four Tier 1 registered CHPs with varying levels of presence in WA, six Tier 2s and with the majority of CHPs Tier 3 level.
Shelter WA is holding an online sector briefing on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.
Click here to register. Click here to read the report.
Media Contact
For interviews with CEO Michelle Mackenzie contact Sarah Quinton | 0439 439 233.