Support for those doing it tough
A trial program is underway within the cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo to address the issue of homelessness in the region.
Modelled on the Homeless Engagement Assessment Response Team (HEART) that has operated in Perth and Northbridge since 2021, two full-time outreach workers are engaging with those currently experiencing some level of homelessness across the two local government areas.
Homelessness includes those who are sleeping in cramped living conditions, temporary accommodation or “couch surfing.” It is estimated that for every one rough sleeper, there are eight others who are inadequately housed.
Of the 370,000 people living within the boundaries of Joondalup and Wanneroo, the 2021 Census shows that more than 1,350 are experiencing some level of homelessness.
With the pressure on rental accommodation and increased cost of living pressures, that number is rising.
The six-month trial, which began in February, is being funded by the State Government, through the Department of Communities, and delivered by Uniting WA.
As well as engaging with chronic rough sleepers and linking them to services specific to their needs, such as mental health and substance abuse support, the outreach workers will facilitate long-term accommodation options where possible.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said that homelessness could not be addressed by local governments on their own.
“This trial is a great example of the collaboration that is required to make a practical and positive difference to those experiencing homelessness across our two cities,” he said.
“To have two experts working at the coalface to provide on-the-ground support to those experiencing homelessness, ultimately helping some of them transition to accommodation, is a great result.
“I’d like to thank Homelessness Minister John Carey for working collaboratively with both cities to achieve one of the key aspirations of our Regional Homelessness Plan.
“Homelessness knows no boundaries. Only by working together can we bring positive and long-lasting results to the northern metropolitan region.
“Access to housing is a basic human need. I hope this trial is a success and it achieves the outcomes we all desire.”
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said addressing the complex issue of homelessness required a collaborative approach.
“We are seeing a growing number of people from all walks of life finding themselves in vulnerable situations due to financial pressures, housing affordability and a scarcity of rental options,” she said.
“It is critical that we continue to work with relevant stakeholders to help connect people experiencing hardship to services and support.
“People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and this trial aims to provide services specific to people’s needs and help them transition into stable and safe accommodation.
“I am so pleased the advocacy efforts of the cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup have secured this trial, and I would like to thank the State Government and Homelessness Minister John Carey for working with us to bring this important initiative to the northern suburbs.”
Uniting WA Co-CEO Jen Park said the HEART program was doing invaluable work assisting people experiencing homelessness and she praised the efforts of all partners, including the State Government, in making the partnership happen.
“The majority of clients engaged by the HEART North team were families with children who were living in their cars,” Ms Park said.
“This is a new demographic of people experiencing homelessness that we are seeing for the first time – parents who work but find themselves unable to pay their bills and now have their families sleeping in cars in public car parks.
“This adds further challenges, as it is more complex and more intensive to support a family as compared to an individual. And demand for outreach services by both families and individuals is increasing all the time.”
The HEART North team has engaged with over 500 clients since February, with the majority of referrals for crisis or transitional accommodation, legal and health services and financial counselling to help families with their debt and bills.
The cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo were founding members of the Joondalup Wanneroo Ending Homelessness Group or JWEHG.
The group meets every six weeks 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.
Note: 2021 Census findings: 769 homeless experiencing homelessness across the two cities with another 595 at risk.
Caption: L-R Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken, HEART outreach worker William, Uniting WA Co-CEO Jen Park, HEART outreach worker Paul and Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob.