Response to Homelessness
Homelessness is a complex and growing issue affecting people in the northern suburbs as well as throughout Australia and the rest of the world. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defines homelessness as the lack of one or more of the elements that represent ‘home’. These elements include a sense of security, stability, privacy, safety, and the ability to control living space.
The causes of homelessness include a multitude of individual and social factors such as domestic and family violence, mental health challenges, lack of affordable housing and housing shortages. Homelessness is an extreme representation of disadvantage and social exclusion. Adding to the complexity can be a lack of community understanding through negative stigma or stereotypes which can hinder efforts to address homelessness.
The multi-dimensional nature of homelessness necessitates involvement by a broad range of organisations, including all spheres of government, community organisations and groups, the private sector, and the wider community. The City plays a key role in responding to homelessness by coordinating, supporting, facilitating and advocating for support services that will improve the lives of our most vulnerable residents. The City is committed to addressing homelessness through:
Regional Homelessness Plan 2022/23 – 2025/26
The Cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo are committed to working with key stakeholders to ensure that people at risk of or experiencing homelessness have the opportunity to improve their circumstances. The Regional Homelessness Plan 2022/23 – 2025/26 demonstrates this commitment. Outcomes in the plan will be achieved through agreed actions by both Cities which are underpinned by three key pillars:
- Building community capacity, understanding and engagement
- Prevention and early intervention
- Responding to homelessness.
The below video shows the stakeholders working together to develop the 2018/19 – 2021/22 plan.
Joondalup Wanneroo Ending Homelessness Group
The Cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo were founding members of the Joondalup Wanneroo Ending Homelessness Group or JWEHG (pronounced jay-weg). Chaired by Uniting WA, the group meets regularly and is open to members from all sectors who are seeking to share information, collaborate and serve the community to end homelessness in the northern corridor. Its vision is to end homelessness in the region. The JWEHG is integral to the delivery of the Regional Homelessness Plan.
If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, resources are available here