Albany data-gathering session identifies hidden rough sleeping problem

A successful homelessness data-gathering session has identified more people experiencing homelessness in the Great Southern region than first thought.

Initiated over concerns homelessness was a bigger problem in Albany than what government data showed a community-led Connection Point spoke to 82 participants representing 130 people experiencing homelessness on Wednesday, 3 May 2023.

On the night of the 2021 census, 190 people in Albany reported they were experiencing a form of homelessness, but local organisations agreed the issue had probably grown since the census.

Data Revelation

Advance Housing’s CEO John Lysaught – who partnered with several organisations to run the counting event – says the session provided proof the problem was bigger than existing data suggested.

“There was a larger proportion of people aged 20 to 39 experiencing homelessness than expected given the broader Albany demographic,” Mr Lysaught said. “Rough sleeping is a massive, albeit largely hidden problem here.”

The issue of safety came up as a barrier to seeking help with some participants saying they would engage with services if they were provided with a safe space to do so. The Albany Youth Support Association was the most engaged service with nearly 20 people seeking support followed by Anglicare (11) then Palmerston (4).

Next Steps

Data collected will now inform what is needed to guide effective responses by focusing existing resources in the areas of greatest need. “This information also means community organisations can advocate for additional resources and develop multiagency solutions which respond to these challenges from an evidence based position.”

“We collectively remain committed to a collaborative approach.”

The next step is to establish a By-Name List under an Advance to Zero model, which presents a real time picture of homelessness across the Albany area by listing every person who is experiencing homelessness, the supports they are accessing and when they leave the list by being housed. By-Name data collection is already operational through the Advance to Zero initiative in Perth, Fremantle, Rockingham, Mandurah, Geraldton and Bunbury.

Advance Housing are putting together a Lotterywest submission for funding. “All of the organisations who assist with homelessness speak together on a regular basis,” he said. “We collectively remain committed to a collaborative approach to addressing homelessness in Albany. This event demonstrates the genuine partnership approach applied between local community services and government partners in this region.”

Community-Based Efforts

Director of Practice and Improvement at the Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness, Michala McMahon says the Alliance supports community-based efforts to build public support for making homelessness rare, brief and a one-time occurrence.

“The By-Name List have been extremely effective.”

“We know the Advance to Zero Framework and tools such as the By-Name List have been extremely effective overseas and nationally, and in some WA communities we are seeing positive reductions in the amount of people sleeping rough,” she said.

“Communities that are collaborating and sharing limited resources are having a greater impact on people experiencing homelessness and linking them to the most appropriate supports required. By focusing on this system-change effort and putting the individual needs of the people at the centre of that system, Albany will join a growing list of communities who are committed to ending homelessness.”