Homelessness and housing affordability high on Shire agenda

Last week’s release of the Salvation Army’s fifth annual National Economic and Social Impact Survey identified increasing problems with South West families unable to secure reliable, affordable housing.

Of the 1632 Salvation Army clients surveyed, 68 per cent are suffering extreme housing stress, defined as spending more than 60 per cent of income on housing. 

The report found 86 per cent of clients and 58 per cent of households with children reported severe deprivation and now go without five or more basic items. It also noted people from regional towns and rural areas are over-represented. 

The AMR Shire will partner with the Augusta Margaret River Affordable Housing Working Group to conduct the workshops, with community members invited to put forward ideas on proposed solutions.

Workshop attendees will also hear stories from people affected by homelessness and those in the community who have worked to combat the issue on a local level. 

Outcomes from the workshops will assist the Shire in development of their Homelessness and Crisis Accommodation Strategy.

Shire President Ian Earl said community members affected by homelessness, as well as those with an interest in the issue had an opportunity to provide valuable input.

“Although we have a transient local population, there are also residents who find it difficult to source long term affordable housing in our region and the focus is to support the development of local services and appropriate shelter solutions,” Mr Earl said.

The first community workshop will be held from 5.00pm to 7.30pm on Thursday June 9 at the Margaret River Community Centre. Attendees should RSVP to amrhousing2016@gmail.com or to Affordable Housing Working Group member, Naomi Godden on 0407 776 815.

Community members can also provide input by completing an online survey atwww.yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au.