CARAVANS provided by the Margaret River Soup kitchen are almost the only emergency accommodation in the shire but managing the service has been tough for volunteers.
Over the past few years donations raised at the soup kitchen have been put into purchasing caravans that can be taken to parks to help people in need.
Soup kitchen volunteer Dave Seegar is calling for a dedicated shire housing officer to assist the kitchen to manage these facilities, and allow for some caravans to be placed on council owned parks at reduced rates.
At present living in a caravan can cost up to $250 a week for a powered site.
"That can be a lot to pay for a caravan," Mr Seegar said.
"We would like to see some space allocated at council caravan parks at a lower rate."
The kitchen currently has four caravans but is hopeful to continue buying them whenever they are available.
Some people will use the caravans for a few weeks but can stay as long as needed.
Mr Seegar said having a housing officer could increase the turn around time of people using the caravans as additional support could be offered to those needing it.
"It could help get people into permanent accommodation quicker," he said.
Mr Seegar spoke at last week's council meeting where shire councillors voted to adopt the new affordable housing strategy.
The strategy looks at finding better ways to use land to allow for more social housing and curb rising rents while advocating for emergency accommodation.
Augusta Margaret River region is classed as "severely unaffordable" compared to other Australian centres and twice as unaffordable as the remainder of the South West, according to the strategy.
The strategy shows high rental rates and a high proportion of lower income families are causing strain on families to continue living in the region.
"Homelessness is a serious, but hidden issue," Mr Seegar said.
"We know many people who live in cars or sleep at a friend's house."
Although council did not add recommendations from Mr Seegar and other affordable housing advocates to the affordable housing strategy, it was decided four of the proposed recommendation will be investigated by council officers.
Mr Seegar was happy to see council is investigating his suggestions. "It means they will have to investigate it and put together a report," he said.
"I'm hoping for a good outcome."
The soup kitchen accepts donations to help to purchase caravans and is also calling on anyone who wants to sell one off to contact them directly.