In Part 2 of our Q&A with Brett McCaul, Assertive Outreach Services Team Leader at the Salvos, we look into the changing demographics of homelessness. Partnerships such as REIWA’s Community REInvest program make a huge difference – but there’s always more that can be done.
Q: How has homelessness changed in WA over recent years?
Brett: The statistics speak volumes. According to the By-Names List in Perth, in May 2020 there were 382 rough sleepers and 619 individuals in temporary shelters. By November 2024, the number of rough sleepers had more than doubled to 835, while the number in temporary shelters decreased to 539. This significant increase in rough sleeping underscores the severity of the ongoing housing crisis and emphasises the urgent need for expanded support services.
Q: How does the Salvation Army support those experiencing homelessness?
Brett: The Salvation Army's Homelessness Stream in Perth offers a variety of targeted outreach programs. These include assertive outreach services in Wanneroo, Subiaco, and the Perth CBD, as well as three community outreach programs: Family Accommodation, Street to Home, and Independent Community Living.
Through our Street Outreach Service on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, we provide essential items including food, clothing, and hygiene products. In the first half of this year alone, we distributed 1,538 food packs, 679 ready-to-eat meals, 42 hygiene products, 52 sleeping items, and 34 pieces of clothing.
Q: What do these statistics reveal about current challenges?
Brett: This highlights the bottleneck effect within the housing system. Individuals reliant on welfare alone are unable to afford private rental properties. As private rentals become increasingly unaffordable and the supply of social housing fails to meet demand, more people are being pushed onto the streets, while waiting lists for transitional housing continue to grow.
It is essential that we address this issue collaboratively to prevent new cases of homelessness from becoming entrenched. Early intervention during this transitional period is crucial to supporting individuals before their situation worsens.
Q: How can real estate professionals help?
Brett: The demand for social housing far exceeds supply, even with significant Government efforts like the Common Ground project. Collaborative approaches with the private rental market [see REIWA’s Tenancy Training program] and preventative programs are essential to alleviate pressure on transitional housing and reduce the need for crisis accommodations. We need to support those renters who are forced to leave their homes when the owners are selling – we need to get them early to stop this transition to homelessness. I think real estate agents could play a part here.
We couldn’t do what we do without partnerships, and REIWA is our biggest corporate partner in WA. Programs like Community REInvest not only provide vital resources, like the new outreach vehicle, but also inspire hope and awareness.
Q: What challenges does the Christmas period bring?
Brett: The Christmas holidays can be an especially challenging time for many individuals. It is a time where many people miss their families and may be separated from them for many reasons. We strive to make it a bit brighter by providing essentials such as food, vouchers, Christmas lunches, and presents. However, we greatly appreciate the opportunity to partner with organisations that can help supply basic items like sleeping bags, blankets, and clothing. The demand for these essentials is immense, and ensuring a steady supply is a key focus for us at this time.
CASE STUDY
Client: Male, aged 40
Program: Subiaco Engagement Assessment Team (SEAT)
Subject: Transitioning into social housing
Client Goals:
Secure long-term, sustainable social housing and reunification with his children.
Client Background:
Client has been chronically rough sleeping in Perth and Subiaco for about 10 years. He is very well known to service providers within the homelessness sector and has been accessing SEAT weekly for about six months.
Barriers/Complexities/Challenges:
Client has a history of significant trauma, mental health and AOD challenges. Due to active AOD challenges and behavioural concerns, there were minimal referral pathway options to explore.
Support Provided:
The client is a regular at SEAT, utilising a range of services including meals, laundry, showers, hygiene packs, phone credit and material aid. The team has established great rapport with the client and SEAT has become a hub where he feels welcome and supported. However, due to his transient nature, minimal engagement and high-risk behavioural and social concerns, referrals and assessments at transitional accommodation services were challenging to facilitate. The SEAT team explored all accommodation options throughout the homelessness sector including St Bart’s and Street to Home.
Outcome:
As the client was not able and did not want to share accommodation with others, he chose to wait for his own home in long-term public housing. Once this became available, SEAT helped secure brokerage to purchase a fridge/freezer for his new home and The Salvation Army helped with household goods including a television and basic kitchen supplies. The SEAT team has provided ongoing support to ensure a successful and sustained tenancy.
Summary:
The client had been rough sleeping for a long time and had lost hope in securing long-term accommodation. This is a great example of sector collaboration and long-term support to achieve an amazing outcome of moving into his forever home. The SEAT team will continue to support the client throughout his tenancy journey, providing necessary support and referral pathways to sustain his tenancy.
Community REInvest
For just $10 a week, your office can become a Community REInvest sponsor and volunteer at various Salvation Army programs. You’ll gain more than you give, and it’s a meaningful way to show you care about your community.
For more information about Community REInvest and how to get involved, please contact Kirsty Pulsinelli at [email protected]
Read Part 1.
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