Shelter WA is the peak body in Western Australia for the community housing and homelessness sectors.

It has been heartening to see housing and homelessness issues gaining greater visibility – both in the media and on government agendas. We welcomed several important announcements regarding increased investment in social and affordable housing, as well as growth in the number of community housing-managed properties. These are positive steps in the right direction.

Yet, with this progress comes a deep sense of frustration and sadness. The rates of homelessness continue to rise, and more people than ever are turning to specialist homelessness services. Despite the tireless efforts of so many, we have not yet turned the corner we’re all working so hard to reach.

Kath Snell, Shelter WA Chief Executive Officer

“This year, Shelter WA has continued its vital work to create a fairer, safer, and more affordable Western Australia for everyone. The projects we’ve championed — and the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes — are a testament to the dedication, resilience, and vision within our community.

I am immensely proud of the work Shelter WA does: from supporting Aboriginal Controlled Housing Organisations to register as community housing providers, to amplifying the voices of those with lived experience of housing insecurity through the HOME initiative.

A particular highlight this year has been the announcement of the Capacity Building Initiative, which will support the growth of the community housing sector over the next four years — strengthening capability, improving service delivery, and helping increase housing stock across the state. Shelter WA’s work continues to be an inspiring example of positive, system-wide change, and I’m grateful to have played a small role in advancing that mission.”

Kieran Wong, Shelter WA Chair

View the report here:

© 2026 Shelter WA. All rights reserved. ABN 43 436 576 540. Shelter WA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and their ongoing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to the Elders past and present and emerging. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and our recognition and acceptance of your invitation to walk with you towards a movement of the Australian people for a better future.
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