Community event for 2018 National Homelessness Week

Local people with experience of homelessness will share their stories at the 2018 National Homelessness Week - Couch Conversations event from 11am on Saturday 11 August at Margaret River Organic Garden. National 2018  Homelessness Week, which launches today (Monday 6 August 2018), is coordinated by Homelessness Australia as a means of raising awareness of people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face and the action needed to achieve enduring solutions. This year’s event works to theme of ‘There's Always Something You Can Do’, aims to highlight practical solutions to which ordinary Australians can contribute. Local homelessness advocacy group Just Home Margaret River is hosting the local event, with the support of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Affordable Housing and Homelessness Working Group, and with funding provided by Shelter WA. Working Group member Craig Mathieson encourages any interested community members to attend the event, which will provide a safe and welcoming space for the discussion of issues around accommodation displacement. “There are members of our community who struggle to find a safe and affordable place to live,” he said. “This includes people who are homeless, people who are unemployed, survivors of domestic violence and seasonal workers. “This event isn’t a cure-all to homeless but we certainly hope that it is a way for people to better understand how homelessness can happen, and consider the wide and varying needs of people living without safe and affordable shelter.”

Details for the event are: Date: Saturday 11 August 2018 Time: 11.00-12.30pm Location: Margaret River Organic Garden Catering: A shared lunch after the session Cost: FREE

Anyone wishing to contribute to the homelessness solution can help by

Promoting local activities and events on Facebook or Instagram

Keep informed about homelessness in AMR through Just Home Margaret River’s Facebook page

Donate winter weather gear or food goods to the Margaret River Community Centre between 9am and 1pm, Monday to Friday

Volunteer at the Margaret River Soup Kitchen, the Margaret River Community Centre or Just Home

If you or someone you know is experience homelessness or needs assistance accessing housing contact Just Home Housing Advocacy Officer Katie Gray, 9am-1pm, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays on 0431 150 836. Just Home is a housing justice organisation based in Augusta Margaret River (WA), working with community members to facilitate appropriate, accessible, low cost, secure and sustainable housing options for all. The Shire provides funding to Just Home who work with the Shire’s Affordable Housing and Homelessness Working Group to progress solutions for homeless and affordable housing.  The rate of homelessness in Australia has increased 4.6 per cent over the last five years, with estimates showing 50 homeless persons for every 10,000 people.