the “right now” reality
Right now there are almost 10,000 people experiencing homelessness in Western Australia alone, and while work toward long-term housing solutions are underway, our concern lies in the trauma and suffering experienced in the meantime.
For those experiencing homelessness, the issue extends far beyond the absence of a roof over their head. Right now, many are without access to the basic necessities most of us take for granted — regular meals, clean drinking water, a toilet, a shower, laundry facilities, medical support, a secure postal address, and safe storage for their belongings. Without access to these essentials, individuals are effectively excluded from exercising many of their fundamental human rights.
For example, a person with nowhere to live has nowhere safe to store their belongings. If this person were to lose their belongings, they may be left without a phone, identification documents (ID), or access to a bank account — meaning that they would have no way to receive government income support. Without a postal address, they also have nowhere for replacement bank cards or ID to be delivered. Not to mention that without a fixed address, they would likely be unable to practically exercise their right to vote.
These are the realities we need to be thinking about — the very barriers making it difficult for individuals to get back on their feet; systemic gaps preventing individuals from overcoming crisis.
To learn the full extent of this issue click here.
