#HW2023 | It’s time to end homelessness – Regional Spotlight
Shelter WA was proud to host this year’s Homelessness Week, a national annual event occurring the first week of August 2023.
This year, Shelter WA did things a little differently.
We made the decision to secure funding for a grants round that local communities in the regions and metro area could apply for, for local communities to showcase the issues and solutions in their own area. Shelter WA were proud to secure $60,000 total funding through Lotterywest and have awarded $40,000 to 15 regional projects and $20,000 for six metro projects.
Karratha
The Salvation Army in Karratha hosted their ‘Karratha Housing Support Service’ Expo to raise awareness of the issues faced by people in the Pilbara as well as linking people in Karratha with Housing and Support Services. Some of the facts they shared about homelessness included:
- 25-34 year olds is the largest group among adults seeking assistance with Specialist Support Services (19 per cent).
- Family and Domestic Violence is the most common main reason people seek assistance from Specialist Support Services (27 per cent).
- The Salvation Army provided nearly 318,000 sessions of care to people who were at risk of experiencing homelessness in 2021-2022 (an increase of more than 8,000 from the previous year).
- 95 per cent of Australian’s are concerned with the cost of living in Australia.
The Expo hosted representatives from 13 local service providers offering a breadth of assistance including housing support, financial counselling, mental health and youth support. While the Expo welcomed those who are seeking this support, it was also a valuable opportunity for the various organisations to connect so each has a more informed perspective of the local service ecosystem which will better serve their clients.
Carnarvon
In partnership with Carnarvon Family Support Services Inc., The Shire of Carnarvon is proud to have shown its support to recognising those in society, wider Western Australia and in their own community – suffering from homelessness.
They hosted a Homelessness Week Sleep Out Challenge.
South Hedland
The Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, in collaboration with the Pilbara Community Legal Service, organised a full-day BBQ event in South Hedland for those who are homeless or affected by the housing crisis.
The community BBQ provided an opportunity for service provides and agencies to connect with members of the homeless community and individuals who are at risk of becoming homelessness in a relaxed and informal setting. Participants enjoyed a meal in an open and inviting environment. Additionally, many who came to the event connected with local services and key stakeholders they had not reached out to.
Geraldton
The Housing First team from Centacare Geraldton put on a community quiz and lunch for clients and guests from local community services organisations. Community services staff members and services users got together to form teams and compete against each other for highest score. The event was held in collaboration with WA Country Health Services ICARE and Care Finder Program.
The room was full and vibrant, with a healthy dose of competitive spirit on display. Teams were asked to answer quiz questions on subjects like Geraldton geography, local language, sports and music legends. The quiz showcased the strengths of the community and their knowledge of Geraldton and the Mid West.
There were lots of prizes handed out on the day, including hampers filled with a variety of treats and household essentials.
After the quiz, guests were able to enjoy a lunch of roast beef rolls, followed by a special Homelessness Week cake.
The Centacare Geraldton Community Quiz was a great opportunity for members of the community, people with lived experience, support workers and staff to come together, share a meal and get to know each other better. It was a great opportunity to showcase the impressive community collaboration taking place in Geraldton, with everyone working together to reach the goal of ending homelessness.
Bunbury
At Koolambidi Woola – the Bunbury Youth Precinct, people experiencing homelessness had an opportunity to connect with services in a causal manner and receive collaborative support under the Housing First Principles. In addition, people receiveed much needed emergency relief items such as food hampers, hot meals, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and vouchers.
Among the groups offering support for the homeless as part of Homelessness Week were Anglicare WA, the Department of Communities, headspace and local businesses including barber Blade Cartel.
Mandurah – Event One
Bridge Builders Ltd were able to offer a little bit of warmth to those in need.
The thing that stood out was the piles of warm clothing, shoes and jackets, donated for the occasion and available for free at the Warm Up Mandurah event. People experiencing homelessness had a hot meal for lunch as well as morning tea. Those who needed it were able to receive a hamper of fresh food, vegies and bread.
The Housing Authority were able to assist people with bond loans and checking their details on the waiting list. Services Australia were able to assist people to navigate the website and make some applications. They also showed other service providers around their website so that those services are now better placed to assist people. The City of Mandurah provided people with practical items including torches and ponchos. Anglicare WA said they were able to help people who were housed but unable to afford other necessities, such as one person who was unable to afford their prescription glasses. Students from John Tonkin College Education Support Centre made up beautiful little personal care parcels.
Mandurah – Event Two
It is a very cold and rainy morning in Mandurah but Westaus Crisis and Welfare Service have done a really awesome job arranging this event to support people who are homelessness in the area. Vinnies WA, St Pat’s, Volunteering WA, plus many other plus the local radio station battled the weather to get here and the atmosphere is welcoming and warm.
Westaus Crisis and Welfare Service provide much needed services in the area including a breakfast club, showers and a place for people to have a cuppa, a chat and something to eat – as well as referrals to services and transitional accommodation. With only six staff, in total, stretched beyond capacity they continue to do all they can for the growing number of people experiencing homelessness in the Mandurah and broader Peel area.
Like so many other providers they are seeing lots of women and children sleeping rough, and their funding can only go so far. They, like others have a huge waiting list, and people they cannot help due to funding limitations.
Mandurah – Event Three
What an effort!
View what a group of volunteers did while navigating the City to engage with then homeless right where they are at. The ‘You Can Sit with Us Event’ was coordinated by Eastlake Church at various areas around the City of Mandurah.
Albany
Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) held a Homelessness Awareness Cookout and Solutions Event – to bring together people in the community that have experienced homelessness with those who provide services in the Albany community.
The event was an informal gathering including service providers from across the Albany area, with speakers from SAC and Umbrella Great Southern Group Inc (UGGS Inc) sharing priority issues they’ve identified and the solutions they’ve determined. SAC described the challenges faced by community members needing access to health services in country areas and where there’s been negative experiences with mainstream health services, issues with vacate clean ups and access to affordable maintenance resources. SAC has developed and provided practical solutions that prevent these issues becoming much more serious, including affordable lawn mower rental, affordable inflatable mattress rental and assistance with waste removal to prevent illegal dumping and fines being issued. UGGS Inc is assisting the community with driver training and the supports needed to help people gain access to their own transport as is essential to access services and employment in country areas.
Margaret River
Just Home Margaret River held a Homelessness Week fundraiser. Held at Margaret River Uniting Church the event showcased live music, local food platters and fine wines and beers from the region.
Derby
Derby’s Community Movie Night was held on Thursday, 17 August 2023. Featuring the touching film “The Pursuit of Happyness”. This follows the true story of Chris Gardener’s resilience and determination as he overcomes homelessness to create a better life for himself and his son.
