Homelessness Week 2022
Monday, 1 August – Sunday, 7 August
Housing, Health & Homelessness
On Census night 2016, it was estimated that around 9000 people experience homelessness. Of this population around 1000 were sleeping rough. There are currently over 1,100 people living in boarding and lodging style accommodation in WA of which a substantial number are vulnerable clients with a disability or a high prevalence of mental health, drug and alcohol misuse and other health issues.
The COVID pandemic highlighted the need for greater collaboration between the housing, health and homelessness sector if people experiencing homelessness are to be kept safe and well. People experiencing homelessness are at great vulnerability of becoming sicker if they contract COVID due to underlying health conditions.
What is the issue?
On Census night 2016, it was estimated that around 9,000 people experience homelessness. Of this population around 1,000 were sleeping rough. There are currently over 1,100 people living in boarding and lodging style accommodation in WA of which a substantial number are vulnerable clients with a disability or a high prevalence of mental health, drug and alcohol misuse and other health issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for greater collaboration between the housing, health and homelessness sector if people experiencing homelessness are to be kept safe and well. People experiencing homelessness are at great vulnerability of becoming sicker if they contract COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions.
Why does this issue exist?
A siloing of responsibility between the Department of Health, Mental Health Commission and the Department of Communities means many people fall through the cracks in the level of housing and health services they receive.
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