Home in WA - Alleviating homelessness in Western Australia
In this episode of Home in WA, host Jon Williams sits down with John Carey, WA Minister for Housing, Lands and Homelessness, to discuss how we can alleviate the homelessness situation here in Western Australia.
If you or someone you know is struggling with homelessness and needs assistance, contact Entrypoint Perth on 1 800 124 684
Catch Home in WA every weekend on Channel 7, where we take you on tours of some of the most gorgeous properties WA has to offer, and provide property market insights you can use.
Interview with John Carey, WA Minister for Housing, Lands and Homelessness
One of the most fundamental human rights for every single person is the right to have a home, somewhere to feel secure, and a place to sleep. According to data from the homeless sector, currently there are about 259 people sleeping rough in the city of Perth, a number that is simply far too high.
To find out more about what's being done to help our most vulnerable Western Australians, host Jon Williams sat down with Minister for Housing, Lands and Homelessness, John Carey.
Jon Williams: Minister, there are many people who would describe the homeless services in WA as inadequate. What is being done to help those people sleeping on the streets?
John Carey: We support a large number of homelessness organizations. In fact, this year, we're investing $225 million in support programs and accommodation. We've actually boosted homelessness outreach programs in the city, and transitional accommodation. And we're delivering 3,300 new social homes. So we're trying to use every lever we can.
Jon Williams: And we're in the perfect storm of a tight rental market, limited funding and a stretched building industry. Is it realistic to see an improvement in the supply of affordable homes?
John Carey: We've actually seen a large number of housing approvals: 27,000 housing approvals. So as they're completed, and people move into new homes, that will actually give us a boost to the rental market. According to all the advice from the housing sector, we also know that the construction market is going to start to recede, and that will provide a new opportunity for us to deliver social housing and other housing to boost supply.
Clearly it’s a long road ahead and significant resources are needed to effectively manage the homelessness situation here in WA. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs assistance, contact Entrypoint Perth on 1 800 124 684