Blink of an Eye to raise awareness of homelessness

IN THE blink of an eye, a person’s living circumstances can change and they can be left homeless like more than 105,200 people living in Australia without a home.

As part of Homelessness Week, the cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup will this month host Blink of an Eye, an event to raise awareness around the issue of homelessness.

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said the event will include stories told by people who have experienced being homeless.

“This presentation explores how in the blink of an eye people can experience circumstances that lead to hardship and homelessness,” she said.

“Some people are not aware that homelessness exists in our local suburbs, but the facts tell a different story.

“A number of people are experiencing hardship and finding themselves in vulnerable situations due to housing affordability, job losses and financial pressures from the current economic environment.

“Every night in WA there are more than 9500 people experiencing homelessness – it is a shocking statistic that needs a combined approach to address this issue, and we will continue to work in close partnership with the City of Joondalup to further understand the needs of our communities.”

Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said everyone had the right to safe and secure accommodation and local government had an important role to play in responding to this growing issue of concern in Perth’s northern corridor.

“In working to end homelessness, we must create greater understanding of the issue and this free event will give people an opportunity to hear directly from those with lived experience of sleeping rough,” he said.

“Sometimes all it takes is a change in circumstances and any one of us could become homeless.”

What: Blink of an Eye

When: Saturday, August 11 from 9.30am-12.30pm

Where: Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre, 3 Rocca Way in Wanneroo

RSVP: intheblinkofaneye.eventbrite.com.au

More info: 9400 4202 or joondalup.wa.gov.au