WA Housing Crisis Hinges on Homelessness Prevention

With Homelessness Week underway and the Western Australian government advancing the next phase of its 10-year All Paths Lead to a Home homelessness plan, Shelter WA is advocating for stronger investment in early intervention and homelessness prevention. This year for Homelessness Week (August 4-10), the peak body is shining a spotlight on 'Homelessness Prevention', highlighting the power of early action and the importance of collaboration with government and community partners to stop homelessness before it begins. Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said the Cook government's recent investments in creating more social and affordable housing are promising and encouraged them to build on this progress. "Ending homelessness is within reach and prevention remains a critical and cost-effective approach to address the crisis. There is a human and economic imperative to dedicate additional resourcing to all forms of prevention," Ms Snell said. "Combined with continued investment in social and affordable housing, we can give people across our state genuine opportunities to thrive. "With timely support, we can help avoid the trauma and risks associated with rough sleeping and housing instability. This means working together from all levels of government to grassroots community groups, and acting early to provide housing stability, rental support and access to services before families reach breaking point." The WA Government's next phase of its 10-year plan places a strong emphasis on preventing homelessness and supporting those at risk. The need for prevention is more urgent than ever based on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's latest regional breakdown of the number of people who presented to specialist homelessness services (SHS) in 2023-24. The data shows 9,467 people were identified as homeless across the state while 13,142 were at risk of homelessness. Perth had the largest number of clients followed by the Kimberley and Pilbara region. About one in three clients who presented to SHS across WA were children aged 0-17, and about one in ten were over 55 years old. Women are overwhelmingly represented in every region, making up approximately two-thirds of all presentations to SHS across the state.

Source: AIHW data; CLIENT LOC.1; Statistical Area Level 4; by client characteristics at first presentation 2023-24; released 2025. Ms Snell said the government has been making bold investments in housing, but these figures highlight the importance of working together to address homelessness through both responsive action and prevention initiatives. "These figures are heartbreaking. Too many Western Australians, including women and children, are teetering on the edge of homelessness or already caught in its grip," Ms Snell said. "There is a critical need for continued collaboration between government, community organisations and service providers to support people across the state who are experiencing housing instability. "We need to address the underlying causes of homelessness such as domestic violence, financial hardship, rent prices and lack of affordable and social housing so we can provide sustainable housing in the long-term. Targeted prevention must also focus on at-risk groups. "Together, we can strengthen services and resources that provide early intervention, financial counselling, affordable housing initiatives and targeted support for vulnerable groups, including women and children. "By investing early in collaborative intervention, we can save lives and protect families while building a stronger WA." Shelter WA has held a cross-sector forum as part of Homelessness Week to identify the data, barriers, and solutions needed to prevent homelessness in WA. Shelter WA will present a report and recommendations to the Minister in September to help inform the government's second Five Year Action Plan under WA's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness set to begin next year. Homelessness Week runs from August 4-10 with community events, initiatives and forums taking place across WA to drive action towards ending homelessness.