Declare a State of Emergency on Housing and Homelessness in WA: Our Call to Action

In Western Australia, the time for decisive action on housing and homelessness has arrived. We are facing an escalating crisis that is impacting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our communities. As someone with Homelessness Lived Experience, I am invested in the prosperity and resilience of WA, I urge you to consider the powerful implications of this e-petition, which calls on the State Government to declare a State of Emergency on housing and homelessness.

Why Declare a State of Emergency?

A State of Emergency allows government resources to be mobilised at unprecedented levels, delivering focused support where needed most. In a time when homelessness is increasingly visible and vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted, the declaration could be the catalyst for bold, fast-acting solutions. It brings urgent attention and allows immediate measures to expand affordable housing, relieve pressures on homelessness services, and provide secure housing for our most vulnerable.

The Scale of the Problem

Across WA, families, individuals, and whole communities are experiencing the fallout of limited affordable housing and growing rates of homelessness. We see it every day in our cities and towns: people without a secure place to call home, often moving from one temporary situation to another, facing significant challenges to their health, safety, and overall quality of life.

The ripple effect extends further. When a large portion of our population struggles with housing insecurity, the entire community feels the strain. Businesses lose productivity, healthcare systems face additional burdens, and the social fabric weakens. Yet, this situation is not inevitable; it can be changed.

The Petition’s Demands: Bold, Urgent, and Necessary

This petition calls on the Legislative Council to act now by asking the State Government to:

1. Declare a State of Emergency on housing and homelessness.
2. Implement bold measures to increase affordable housing supply at scale.
3. Provide immediate support for homelessness and social housing services to alleviate the crisis.
4. Commit to transparent, long-term strategies to prevent future housing insecurity.
5. Ensure secure housing for those currently vulnerable or at risk, as a matter of priority.

These demands may sound ambitious, but they are the foundation for a solution that matches the scale of the crisis. We need a holistic approach that not only meets immediate needs but also tackles the structural causes of homelessness, paving the way for a sustainable future.

Why Your Voice Matters

By signing this petition, you are not only adding your name; you are lending your voice to a cause that impacts us all. Every signature amplifies the message that housing and homelessness are urgent issues that require the State Government's immediate, unwavering attention. With enough public support, we can send a powerful message to our legislators, showing them that the people of WA stand united in their call for action.

Together, We Can Shape a More Compassionate WA

This is about restoring dignity, protecting wellbeing, and building a future where every person in WA has the security of a home. The solution is within reach, but we need strong public backing to make it happen.

Please join us in signing this petition to declare a State of Emergency on housing and homelessness in Western Australia. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

https://bit.ly/HousingAndHomelessnessEpetitionWA

Joanne Khan Dr. Brad Pettitt MLC Katie Stubley Norm McGillivray Kelly Campbell Marina Bentrovato Carla Ormsby Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Amanda Hunt Jac Dewar JP. Shane Hermans Denver D'Cruz Mary-Jane Rigby Jonathan Shapiera Josh Serafini Deborah Ralph-Kafarela Drew Brook Matt Vapor Holly Rose Rolfe Cema Athayde Santos Iain Shields Neil Gibb Dave Clare Sharm Aru Jane Armstrong Jim Mellor Janine Wood JP Mel Wright Aimee Wright Andy P. Kathy Greenwood Daisy Brown (Ashworth) Evan Nunn Clara Deans Peter le Breton Erika Natta Sue Myc Jasmine M. Jay Ridgway Claire Dodd Paul Flatau Moy Coomer Wendy Morris Olivia Chapman Katie Liew

Apologies for tags and the many I have forgotten to tag, could you please forward this to your peers and supporters for maximum impact?

#EndingHomelessness #EndingPovert #EndingSocialIsolation #LivedExperienceKommuniti #KommunitiHQ