AFTER 12 months of research and preparation, City of Perth council this week endorsed its Homeless Sector Review in a move to crack down on the issue.
City staff collected information through research, engaging stakeholders and business consultation to better understand the prevalence and factors contributing to homelessness, and define its role working with support agencies.
Councillor Reece Harley said at last week’s briefing session a more consolidated approach was required because many service providers competed and provided the same service at the same time.
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READ NOWCouncillors at the February 13 meeting congratulated staff on the quality of the review.
Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said homelessness was complicated and the City could not take it on alone.
“It is important to recognise that homelessness is a complicated issue that cannot simply be remedied at a local government level, and requires support from the State and Commonwealth,” she said.
She added the review provided “a proposed direction in developing effective agency partnerships to establish long term strategies to tackle homelessness”.
“A raft of diverse support services and accommodation options are required, as well as a coordinated approach across the human services delivery sector to meet the individual needs of those experiencing homelessness,” she said.
“Over the next 18 months, the City will take a lead advocacy role for service providers in platforms and forums to progress organisational objectives, and create social change to end homelessness in WA.”
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