Homelessness help | What to do if you have nowhere to go

With the moratorium on tenancy agreements in WA about to end on March 28, some families reported they had less than two weeks to find a home or be forced out.

Following the Mail's article last week, comments and stories flooded in from families who have not been able to secure affordable housing.

"I'm a mum of three under four years," one reader commented.

"I'm homeless in 10 days time. I work hard on the front line in the medical field, never missed a day in rent. Hard to see what's around the corner."

A report released by Just Home Margaret River "I wouldn't wish this on anyone": The Augusta Margaret River Housing Crisis, estimated that 150 families (400 people) in the AMR Shire alone were on the brink of homelessness.

When the moratorium on tenancy agreements ends, Just Home said the impact on families and the local economy would be profound.

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River chief executive Stephanie Addison-Brown said their council would meet on March 18 to consider a suite of options for the Shire to assist people who become displaced.

"If people find themselves unable to source rental accommodation within the region, we would advise them to contact the relevant State Government agencies and homelessness support services," she said.

"At this stage there are no plans for the Shire to establish temporary camping areas."

To help alleviate some pressure the City of Busselton extended the length of permissible camping stays at caravan parks where there was availability including at the city owned Busselton Jetty Caravan Park.

Mayor Grant Henley said there were also a number of very active charity organisations that could assist families under stress including the Salvation Army, the Red Cross and St Vincent DePaul.

"While the City is supporting local charitable organisations and lobbying the State Government to provide more support for the homeless, it is not in the remit of Local Government to provide accommodation for the homeless other than emergency shelter during a crisis situation such as bushfire or flood," he said.

"People need to contact the WA Department of Communities and Housing and seek support from registered charitable organisations."

Department of Communities executive director service delivery Lindsay Hale said the department offered forms of support to help Western Australians into rental housing, such as bond assistance and two weeks' rent in advance as an interest-free loan.

"It also provides referrals to other agencies and community housing providers," he said.

WHERE TO FIND HELP - AUGUSTA MARGARET RIVER

Housing Assistance

If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, you can contact Just Home to arrange an appointment for information and referrals related to your housing options.

Call 0431150836 or email housingofficer@justhome.org.au

Please note that the Just Home service is part-time and Just Home does not provide crisis response.

For those who find themselves homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness, contact communities.wa.gov.au/services/housing, or the Entrypoint service on 1800 124 684.

For more crisis support, contact the Homeless Advisory Service on 1800 065 892 (during business hours) and Crisis Care on 1800 199 008 (after hours).

Community Centre

The Margaret River Community Centre at 33 Tunbridge Street (MRCC) operates a number of services for locals experiencing homelessness.

Manager Lydell Huntly said it was important to recognise that the services are for those in need, rather than operating to service backpackers and travellers, "otherwise we would be inundated".

Shower facilities - free of charge between 9am-1pm.

Laundry facilities - access to a washing machine and dryer, free of charge between 9am-1pm.

Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) - The MRCC administers this the form of Foodbank food provision, supermarket food cards, fuel vouchers, pharmacy vouchers etc.

"We have had more funding from AMR Shire and Department of Social Services this last year due to COVID-19," said Ms Huntly.

"These increased funds will return to previous lower levels as of July 1, 2021.

After July 1, ERF assistance is likely to be what we consider 'band aid' assistance, it will not often make any lasting difference to their financial situation, but it may feed the family for a few days.

ERF funds are not going to stretch to paying people's rent, bonds, accommodation costs etc.

Soup Kitchen - Every Monday and Wednesday at 5pm until approximately 7pm. Tasty vegan meals including stews, curries and salads prepared by volunteers. Tea and coffee is available too. All are welcome.

Help is available from local charities including:

For those who find themselves homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness, contact communities.wa.gov.au/services/housing, or the Entrypoint service on 1800 124 684.

For more crisis support, contact the Homeless Advisory Service on 1800 065 892 (during business hours) and Crisis Care on 1800 199 008 (after hours).

If this article or the survey raises emotional difficulties for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.