COVID-19:
How you can help
Nobody should be living on the street before, during or after a pandemic.
Urgent short term and long term strategies are needed to ensure that nobody is living on the street during or after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shelter WA is working closely with the government, industry and the homelessness and housing sector to develop a response to prevent and reduce the risk of transmission during this period. In response to the many calls we have received from the community to help people experiencing homelessness during this period Shelter WA has established this page to enable people who want to contribute to donate. These funds will be allocated to the housing and homelessness sector so that they can continue the great work that they do.
The Crisis
People experiencing homelessness, especially rough sleepers, are at higher risk of contracting, spreading and becoming sick from COVID-19. Compared to the general population they are often immuno-compromised and have co-morbid pre-existing conditions.
For those sleeping rough it is difficult to self-isolate or socially distance without a home, and they have limited access to sanitation such as showers, hand-washing or sanitiser. Those staying with family in overcrowded accommodation cannot physically distance and are often highly transient, moving from lodging to lodging. In Western Australia an estimated 50% of rough sleepers are Aboriginal, who are also believed to be at greater risk from Covid-19.
Many of the homelessness service providers have had to modify their services or withdraw completely in response to distancing requirements and the risk to volunteers, staff and clientele.
The vulnerability and exposure of people experiencing homelessness in WA during a pandemic is not just a tragedy, it also constitutes a public health risk.
As a prime vector for transmission of COVID-19, the homeless community may significantly contribute to the spread; as a highly vulnerable group of people, they could potentially overwhelm the capacity of the health system.
Further action is needed to care for, protect and prevent the risk of transmission in people experiencing homelessness, through the provision of housing and support.
The Need
Everyone needs a safe place to stay at home, distance and self-isolate during this public health crisis.
We need more appropriate housing options to accommodate rough sleepers as an immediate response to the crisis and as a sustainable long-term solution to this chronic social issue.
Interim Support Measures
Engagement Hubs
A number of Shelter WA member organisations provide day support to homeless people, as well as those at risk of becoming homeless through the provision of a safe accepting and inclusive environment in which support, advocacy and referral can be provided. COVID-19 has impacted on the operations of these engagement hubs with services having to significantly re orientate the way that they can provide ongoing to support to people experiencing homelessness during this period.
Outreach Workers
COVID-19 has impacted on the teams of outreach workers, who provide a daily outreach services to people on the streets, providing support in lots of different ways including referrals to emergency relief and case management programs Outreach work is critical and a key first step in building trust and relationships. This work is critical to link them with the housing and tailored support required to end homelessness.
Pan Pacific Hotel, Perth
The pilot was instigated by one of the Department of Communities’ taskforces established in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, made up of Government representatives and sector leaders in homelessness. The trial model of service is being developed and delivered through a partnership with community service organisations who, are working with health professionals. This is a positive initiative for those benefiting, however there are approximately 1000 rough sleepers across WA who need rapid access to immediate housing, and pathways out of homelessness.
Fremantle Hotel
A group of 35 rough sleepers, have recently been housed in a Fremantle hotel. Food, medical and other supplies are being provided by the community – case work and medical support is being donated by existing agencies. Without urgent funding support, these highly vulnerable people will be back on the street within weeks.
The Ultimate Goal: An end to homelessness in WA
Hotel accommodation is an immediate crisis response to alleviate the immediate COVID-19 risk to the people who are extremely vulnerable. In a hotel they can physically distance, self-isolate and access appropriate sanitation.
Nonetheless, no one really wants to live in a hotel long-term.
A more sustainable pathway out of homelessness is being developed not only as part of the Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness but also as part of the COVID-19 crisis response. The pathways are based on the principles of Housing First after an initial emergency accommodation phase. Whilst pathways to long term, permanent housing are being developed there is an immediate need to provide safe accommodation options and support to enable people to get off the streets now and we’ve had so many calls from people wanting to help make this happen.
Urgent financial support is needed
Short-term emergency accommodation is being supported through an emergency brokerage fund, that is already stretched in response to this crises.
Every $3000 raised will help to get one person off the streets for two weeks – providing a breathing space for them and for agencies to commence developing pathways into more permanent safe housing.
Without your support too many people will continue to live on the streets during and after this pandemic. By leveraging existing resources and community support networks, we can accommodate our most vulnerable from the immediate crisis and implement long-term solutions that allow them to have a safe place to call home.
