Perth Homelessness

Currently our residential rental vacancy rate is at 1.3% and the rental shortage will quickly turn into a crisis for everybody seeking a rental property in Perth. Not to mention, there are 15,000 families on the waitlist for public housing, with a waitlist of some ten years in some suburbs.

Homelessness is an ongoing public health issue that is destroying families. Dr Betsy Buchanan reported in the West Australian earlier this week that rather than working together to support families, the Housing Authority on evictions under current legislation, typically takes back the home and Child Protection often takes the children.

Interestingly, statistical studies from other cities in countries of AAA credit ratings, have found government support in housing the homeless is of economic benefit, where direct costs to our public health system (medical and hospital services), police (security) and emergency services are drastically reduced and savings can be more than halved, compared to doing nothing to support the homeless. In addition, contrary to some of our general public’s belief, the provision of social and affordable housing, helps property values, local businesses thrive and encourages more community activity in areas that were previously prone to a high degree of homelessness on the streets or within parkland spaces.

Our governments now realising the opportunity to invest in social housing that would ease the long waiting lists and provide stimulus to our local economy, as discussed in the link below on ABC radio's ‘Late Night Live’ with Phillip Adams.

We need to address the foundations of the State government’s new campaign, ‘House the Homeless WA’ which is committing to:

1. Everyone needs a Home – now. Set to create 15,000 public houses in 3 years, housing families in need and creating 60,000 jobs in the process, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data;
2. WA needing immediate shelter for the 1,000 people currently on the street in Perth and for those coming out of our COVID-19 facilities, hospitals and prisons where the ‘Common Ground’ model of supportive housing offers a mix of permanent, affordable housing that is linked with dedicated, tailored support services that address the root causes of homelessness. Our State government announcing its plans to develop two ‘Common Ground’ facilities in our City to house and support people who are sleeping rough or experiencing chronic homelessness; and
3. An enduring moratorium on evicting vulnerable families to homelessness from public housing. Alluding our government departments will now recognise short-term crisis responses are only part of the solution and will be more compassionate in their undertakings to understand the individual and family needs alongside the legislative requirements.

It is important our public and private sectors in these trying times, look not to reinvent, but support existing organisations and support services in more actionable and deliverable housing solutions for people in need - especially as a growing percentage of the homeless are families and women over the age of 55 years.

The new homelessness strategy, ‘All Paths Lead to a Home’ – Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030, sets out a vision where everyone has a safe place to call home and is supported to achieve stable and independent lives. This strategy is the resultant of 18 months of research and consultation from the community services sector, welcomed by the City of Perth to jointly implement within our city precinct.

Groups, such as WA_Alliance to end Homelessness, where it is stated that on any given night in Western Australia, around 9,000 people can be considered homeless. Their plan and strategy is simple and requires more support, like so many other groups with similar purpose – potentially showing that today, not unlike any other day in these uncertain times, may be the best time to ‘collaborate’ and ‘work together’ for a common purpose in ‘ENDING HOMELESSNESS’.

WA Alliance to End Homelessness’s plan includes 5 key focus areas:

1. Housing - ensure adequate and affordable housing;
2. Prevention - focus on prevention and early intervention;
3. Strong and Coordinated Approach - no 'wrong-door system';
4. Data, Research and Targets - improve data and research, and set clear targets; and
5. Build Community Capacity - never about us, without us.

Remembering people can find themselves experiencing homelessness for a wide range of reasons, including domestic violence, life events such as job loss, mental health issues, substance abuse and financial stress, where a safe and stable home or place to bed down is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of the people in our community.

We should also consider Perth in early 2019 was given the unenviable tag of being the meth capital of Australia, so one key ancillary support service that should not fall to the wayside is that of our community outreach programs in relation to rehabilitation programs for those suffering from substance abuse or addiction. 

COVID-19 has in addition, added another layer of concern in relation to mental health, where having an understanding and awareness of all aspects of dealing with the stress of the lockdown and bereavement of the pandemic and its effects on our society needs also be addressed, where people may be living with depression and struggling to stay afloat during mandated or self isolation.

The following link is a great educational guide placed by UK firm, 'Rehab 4 Addiction' to assist in the many stepping stones for those struggling and their loved ones to better understand their situation and lead them to find a supportive and safe environment, especially during the pandemic.

Let’s hope together, within WA and in our great city of Perth we can address our homeless situation, better our acceptance of differing life situations and people in need; and remember every little act of kindness helps and is worth it, even if it only helps one person.