Cities Tackling Regional Homelessness

Representatives from both cities, along with state government, not-for-profit organisations, commercial and local businesses joined with community members who have experienced homelessness for the Regional Homelessness Stakeholder Workshop at the newly opened Pearsall Hocking Community Centre.

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said the cities were working together to prevent and respond to this complex and growing issue.

“We are aware that homelessness is on the rise and we recognise that this is an issue that spans municipal boundaries,” Mayor Roberts said.

“There are many contributing factors to homelessness including domestic violence, unemployment, a shortage of affordable housing, mental health and family breakdowns due to drug and alcohol abuse – and these are just a few.

“Both cities – Wanneroo and Joondalup – agree that our role in addressing homelessness is one of coordination, support and advocacy. Our priority is to get people off the streets and into a healthy and optimistic environment that provides dignity, respect and an improved quality of life.”

Between January and September this year, 58 people have been reported as sleeping rough by City officers in the City of Joondalup. Between January and June, 13 people were reported as sleeping rough by City of Wanneroo staff.

Of even greater concern, other service providers operating in the northern suburbs have reported high demand for their supported accommodation, with a significant number turned away due to lack of availability.

Since March 2016, the Cities have met on a regular basis to progress the development of the Regional Homelessness Strategy.

Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard said the forum had proven a tremendous success, with a diverse range of stakeholders providing plenty of new ideas that could potentially be incorporated into a regional homelessness strategy.

“It was pleasing that each group looked at the issue from a different perspective and made informed recommendations on how the two Cities could work more collaboratively on this growing issue of concern in the northern corridor,” he said.

“Local government needs to take proactive approach to homelessness, adopting appropriate strategies and actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure those affected can find suitable housing in which to live. It is our humanitarian duty to do so.

“This sharing of resources, knowledge and programming can maximise the provision of services available to support those affected by this issue and in doing so, take meaningful strides to sustain an improved quality of life for people experiencing homelessness.

“Access to housing is a basic human need. Sometimes all it takes it is a change in circumstances and any one of us could become homeless.”

Both Cities have developed and implemented internal protocols to assist staff members who encounter people sleeping rough.

“Staff received training to raise their understanding of homelessness as an issue as well as how to respond to individuals in our community, the City’s expectations, and an overview of what we can do to assist, which is a huge step forward for a local government organisation,” Mayor Pickard said.

 “We are facing a critical juncture in Joondalup and the northern corridor as a whole, and it’s vital we act now in order to have long-lasting impacts on homelessness into the future.”