More than 9,700 Western Australians will be without a home tonight, living on the streets, couch surfing, sleeping in a car, or living in inadequate shelter.
Homelessness is a burning issue in Perth and across Western Australia. COVID, cost of living pressures, a shortage of public housing and the rental crisis have combined in recent years to exacerbate this wicked issue. In a state as prosperous as ours, people should not be living on the streets; families should not be living in cars; and people should not be suffering mental health and other challenges without proper services and support. Everyone has the universal right to have a safe and secure place to call home.
This week marks the start of Homelessness Week across Australia, which seeks to raise awareness to the entire community to take action and end homelessness. While homelessness will impact on vulnerable Western Australians long after this week is over, organisations and businesses can make a difference by raising awareness and supporting charities who provide support and accommodation to those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Brookfield Place is playing an active role in supporting Homelessness Week from 7th to 14th August by generously donating $5 to St Bart’s for every soup sold at two of its participating cafes.
Brookfield Place WA Operations Manager Alison Beamish said they hoped this initiative will generate a significant donation to St Bart’s in helping them support vulnerable people while raising awareness of the impact of homelessness in our community.
“We are proud to be partnering with St Bart’s this Homelessness Week and recognise the important work it does in providing safe and supported accommodation to WA people who need it the most,” Ms Beamish said.
St Bart’s CEO Samantha Drury said the initiative is a tangible way for the community to play a role in helping vulnerable people get back on their feet.
“Corporate support plays a significant part in enabling us to provide supported accommodation and services to Western Australians who need it the most,” she said.
“Winter is a particularly tough time for people experiencing homelessness, so this initiative by Brookfield Place not only raises much needed funds but also, importantly it raises awareness in bringing the community together to take action.”
If you can’t get to one of the cafes, why not donate the cost of your daily coffee instead simply by clicking here: https://stbarts.org.au/get-involved/make-a-donation/
St Bart’s acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land that we live and work on, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We are privileged to work with, and alongside, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and encourage those who are emerging as leaders.
St Bart’s is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We welcome and support the health and wellbeing of all people, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion and gender identity.