City Supports Homelessness Week
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In keeping with this year’s official theme of “ending homelessness together,” the City proudly supported the Rockingham/Kwinana Homelessness Interagency Group’s free event at the Salvation Army Rockingham on Tuesday 7 August.
Those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness were able to get help from local agencies including Anglicare WA, Centrelink, Freo St Doctor, the Department of Housing, Beacon and St Pats during the event.
City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said homelessness was a complex issue that effected people from all walks of life.
“For those who live without a home, basic needs such as a sense of safety, security and stability don’t exist, making life incredibly difficult,” Mayor Sammels said.
“The stress and anxiety from problems like this can be huge, which is why we need to ensure we are doing all we can as a community to help end homelessness.”
The City is also supporting Anglicare WA’s free pop up op shop at St Nic’s Community Centre on Wednesday 8 August, which will include a free raffle, sausage sizzle and haircuts from 10am to 1pm.
On Thursday 16 August the City will also provide a free ‘De-escalation workshop’ for local not-for-profits, homeless advocates and service providers who work within the City. The fully booked workshop is the second the City will run this year and helps up-skill participants in areas such as personal safety, recognising danger and the relevance of mental health. “The City of Rockingham chairs the Rockingham/Kwinana Homelessness Interagency Group and encourages the community to get involved during campaigns such as Homelessness Week,” Mayor Sammels said.
“The City is also represented on a project team with Shelter WA as well as other local government associations and key stakeholders, who are working on a protocol document for Local Government that deals with homelessness.”
Homelessness Week is an annual event coordinated by Homelessness Australia to raise awareness of homelessness and the actions needed to achieve lasting solutions.
For more information on the services and organisations providing support to the community visit the City's community support and wellbeing services page.