Doreen Yarran Kickett Creed performed the Welcome to Country) at Homelessness Week at SEA and Karnany Centre for homeless.
Camera IconDoreen Yarran Kickett Creed performed the Welcome to Country) at Homelessness Week at SEA and Karnany Centre for homeless. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis

Midland: homeless issues highlighted at Karnany Resource Centre open day

Sally McGlewCommunity News

ISSUES facing people dealing with homelessness have been highlighted in Midland for local residents, with the annual lunch and open day at the Karnany Resource Centre on Spring Park Road.

Held on Wednesday with the Salvation Army offering meals and support from their van, the crowd was entertained by Clive on guitar, who played for the day.

This year’s Welcome to Country was conducted by Doreen Yarran Kickett Creed, a Midland Elder who welcomed about 50 people to the annual event and shared her personal and touching stories.

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Karnany Resource Centre offers support to people who are homeless or facing homelessness or any other crisis.

Karnany is home to financial counselling, education and emergency relief services, is an agent for NILS loans and the base for the Strong Fathers program.

Outreach services provided by local partners include the Street Doctor on a Tuesday and alcohol and drug counselling.

Program manager at Swan Emergency Accommodation Centre Sharon Gough said Karnany was part of SEA, a local not-for-profit organisation that provides broader housing, support and education services.

Ms Gough said more resources were required to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness, particularly in this local area.

“We are seeing a rise in all numbers of homelessness in Midland but particularly women in the 50-plus age group,” Ms Gough said.

“They have often been the home carers who have had no employment history. After a separation or divorce they are left without a home and without superannuation or other back-up funds.

“We work to assist these women with securing temporary accommodation, provide financial counselling or education and support to get into something longer-term”.

Ms Gough said the centre thanked the Dreambuilders Shopping Market and the Positivity Place in Midvale, along with Corrective Services, who all supported homeless people in the area and donated for the day’s events.

Members of the public can donate to support the work of Swan Emergency Accommodation.

There are other ways to donate if you ring and discuss this with a staff member on 9274 5382.

“One hundred per cent of the donations will be used to improve the lives of people facing crisis in the Midland and Hills communities,” Ms Gough said.