Homelessness Week is a national movement aimed at raising education and awareness around people experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, and the challenges they may face. This year’s theme for Homelessness Week is everybody needs a home.
The Cities, working in collaboration with local agencies through the Rockingham/Kwinana Homelessness Interagency Group, are already undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the rate of homelessness in both communities. Sub committees of the group have been formed that focus on education and awareness, accommodation and assertive outreach and food relief hampers, to ensure dedicated attention is afforded to these specific issues.
City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said in the lead up to Homelessness Week the City had made the commitment to aligning with Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030, All Paths Lead to a Home, by working in a collaborative approach with the City of Rockingham and local support services to best respond to issues of homelessness.
“The City of Kwinana is actively working in this space by providing support for community members who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We have done this by linking these people to resources and local support services,” Mayor Adams said.
“This work has never been more important than it is now, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have taken a number of measures to assist those at risk including establishing a dedicated Community Support Line for people to call if they find themselves in need of help or advice.
“In coming weeks, as part of the City’s commitment, we will be highlighting the services that are available within our area that work to assist vulnerable community members. We will hear from people who have experienced homelessness and hear how they overcame it and we will also identify how people can assist vulnerable community members who may be experiencing homelessness,” she said.
City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said a collaborative effort with local agencies was key to supporting those experiencing homelessness as well those who are at risk of becoming homeless.
“Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a whole of community response, which is why the City of Rockingham is pleased to work closely with the City of Kwinana, local agencies and those in the community who are experiencing homelessness, to help tackle the issue,” Mayor Sammels said.
“It is important to highlight that homelessness doesn’t discriminate and it can impact anyone. While both Cities are focused on addressing homelessness, the community can play an important role by donating to emergency relief providers or volunteering with them.
“The City of Rockingham has recently committed to provide $150,000 per year for three years for an assertive outreach service to help people experiencing homelessness, and through its Community Grants Program has also provided funding support to a variety of emergency relief organisations.
“The City of Rockingham has advocated to the State Government for a common ground facility to be located in the Rockingham/Kwinana/Mandurah area, and the City of Kwinana intends to also advocate and provide in-principle support,” he said.
For more information on support and services in Kwinana visit Emergency Assistance Contacts or contact the City’s Community Support Line on 9236 4570. If located in Rockingham, refer to the Homeless Reference Card.