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The City of Canning recognises that homelessness is a complex and growing issue affecting people in Canning.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics census in 2021 – 122,494 Australians are homeless, 9,729 live in WA, and an estimated 255 in the City of Canning.

The City of Canning is committed to working collaboratively across government, not-for-profits, community, business and those with lived experience to help prevent and respond to the challenges of homelessness.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing hardship, download our directory of support providers (PDF 1.5MB) for details on organisations who can assist with:

  • emergency accommodation
  • meals, food vouchers and food parcels
  • maintaining your tenancy
  • domestic violence support
  • legal advice
  • support for young people
  • mental health support
  • financial counselling
  • drugs and alcohol support
  • showers and laundry for people who are homeless.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a person is homeless if they do not have suitable accommodation alternatives and their current living arrangement:

  • is in a dwelling that is inadequate;
  • has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or
  • does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations.

Types of homelessness

  • persons living in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out (rough sleepers)
  • persons in supported accommodation for the homeless
  • persons staying temporarily with other households
  • persons living in boarding houses
  • persons in other temporary lodgings
  • persons living in severely crowded dwellings.

Visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics website for more information.

Homelessness is not just the result of too few houses. There are many causes that contribute to homelessness in Australia, including:

  • domestic violence
  • a shortage of affordable housing
  • unemployment
  • mental illness
  • family breakdown
  • drug and alcohol abuse.

Homelessness takes a range of forms – from those who have suddenly become homeless, to those who have been sleeping rough in public places over a long period of time, or those who “couch surf” with friends, family or acquaintances.

Treat homeless people with dignity, remember homelessness can happen to anyone. Being homeless is not a crime, people who are homeless or sleeping rough have the same entitlements as anyone else to be in a public place.

If you are concerned about a rough sleeper, you can contact the City on 1300 422 664.

If you believe someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis or if you witness aggressive, intimidating, or violent behaviour, please contact WA Police on 000.

Donate

Consider donating to a charity that provides emergency relief and outreach service such as:

Volunteer

Consider volunteering your time and skills with a not-for-profit organisation. You can find a list of organisations on the Volunteering WA website.

Support

Support people experiencing homelessness by understanding the true causes of homelessness.

Ask Izzy – connecting people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more. It is free and anonymous, with over 400,000 support services listed.

WAConnect – online service directory for purposes like emergency accommodation and relief, rent assistance, and food vouchers. Call 1800 979 777.

Entrypoint Perth – a free assessment and referral service assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in WA to access accommodation and support options. Call 6496 0001 or 1800 124 684.

Crisis Care helpline – a telephone information and counselling service that operates 24 hours, 7 days a week, for people in crisis needing urgent help. Call 1800 199 008 or 9223 1111.

Multicultural Services Centre WA – MSC is an established provider of diverse community services and programs, supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) Western Australians for over four decades.

Further information
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