Just Home Margaret River has employed a part-time Housing Advocacy Officer to support local residents experiencing or at risk of long-term homelessness to access stable, affordable accommodation.
Katie Gray, who has a background in social services, mental health and counselling services, will be at the Just Home office at the Margaret River Community Centre three mornings a week.
“I have already begun meeting with clients, and this stage in the process is important to gather information about the community,” Ms Gray said.
“We are encouraging people in the community who are experiencing housing stress, whether it be homelessness or difficulty finding permanent accommodation, to come and talk to us.
Ms Gray said Just Home’s mission was to create a better understanding of housing affordability and availability in the region, as well as to help people with case-by-case situations to secure a home.
“Firstly we are collecting data and figures to get a much better understanding of how many residents are struggling in this part of the world.
“Once we are engaging with the community and gathering that information, we can then set the wheels in motion to find long term solutions for more people.
“Until we have qualified information, it can be hard to plan – are we trying to help 50 people or 200 people?”
Ms Gray will undertake a three-year pilot project to work in partnership with people experiencing homelessness to access housing in the private, public or community housing sectors.
She said the group is also keen to hear from residents, community groups and businesses who think they may have a platform to assist.
“There are a lot of people in our community who are very willing and able to donate time or resources, or provide solutions.
“We are calling for any groups or people who think they could align with our project to achieve some fantastic, positive things for our region to get in contact.
The Housing Advocacy Project is funded by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Mercy Foundation, Margaret River Soup Kitchen, local donors and fundraising, with in-kind support from the Margaret River Community Centre.
The project was developed by community members with personal experience of homelessness, and aims to fill a significant gap in housing services in the Augusta Margaret River region.
The Just Home office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 9am to 1pm at the Margaret River Community Centre.
You can also contact Katie Gray on 0431 150 836 (during office hours) or by email housingofficer@justhome.org.au