This week marks the beginning of Homelessness Week 2020, with this year’s theme focusing on Everybody Needs a Home.
The City of Perth continues to lead with strong projects and initiatives focused on responding to homelessness within the City’s boundaries, including a recent financial injection of $245,000.
Initiatives include expanding culturally appropriate assertive outreach services and establishing safe spaces for rough sleepers, working to provide immediate relief for those experiencing homelessness in the city.
“We are committed to assisting the homelessness services sector and wholeheartedly support the goal of ending homelessness over the coming years. Commitment from all tiers of government, the community and the homelessness sector will benefit everyone within the City; especially the people requiring support,” Chair Commissioner Andrew Hammond said.
In realising the City’s role in supporting All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-year Strategy on Homelessness, the City of Perth will also continue to support the coordination of homelessness service providers and goodwill groups to operate within the City of Perth from Moore Street.
Providing essential services to support the basic needs of people experiencing and at risk of homelessness, service delivery from Moore Street is available Monday to Friday evenings and Sunday mornings.
With 20 accredited service providers delivering food, health, hygiene and assertive outreach services, the Moore Street accreditation site has seen almost 15,000 touch points of support for the City’s most vulnerable from January through to May, including 2000 health and hygiene services and 13,000 meal services.
OneVoice is one such accredited provider aimed at restoring dignity and hope for those experiencing homelessness.
OneVoice was a recipient of the City of Perth’s COVID-19 Quick Response Community Grants. The grant allowed them to expand their existing mobile shower service at the City’s Moore Street site by increasing the number of service days.
Dave and Ang are a couple who volunteer for OneVoice and say it is rewarding providing such a service every Thursday night.
“For Dave and I, we just love being a part of the team. We love meeting people who utilise the shower trucks and listening to their stories,” Ang said.
“Being part of something positive has brought immense joy and it has been lifechanging for us. We are building relationships not just with our regular street friends but also with the security guys and volunteers of other services.
“It might seem like baby steps at times, but we are definitely making a difference in people’s lives.”
The Moore Street accreditation site is currently being re-developed by the City and the Public Transport Authority to better support the provision of service.
