There are over 9,000 people experiencing homelessness each night in WA.
Two out of three requests for accommodation via homelessness services cannot be met. There is a crisis on Western Australia’s streets.
Homelessness is caused by and exacerbates mental health and health issues. People escaping family and domestic violence also end up on the streets due to lack of resources. The fastest growing homeless demographic is women past the age of retirement.
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen homelessness increase and the availability of services for the homeless decrease, as providers complied with social distancing rules.
Across Australia and around the world, the vulnerability of the homeless to disease and illness was finally recognised as the public health issue that it has always been and dramatic steps were undertaken to provide reliable shelter, food, hygiene and health services. We shouldn’t need a pandemic to give the homeless the wrap-around services and shelter they need and deserve.
We have a unique opportunity to provide the housing and the services that we need. We cannot waste this chance.
Add your voice to our campaign.