Western Australian real estate agents have partnered with the Salvation Army‘s Community REInvest program to assist people experiencing homelessness.
The philanthropic program was established in 2013, with the aim to identify opportunities, mobilise resources and support the people of Western Australia (WA).
Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) president Damian Collins said this was an incredible initiative and showed the care the WA real estate community had for those doing it tough on our streets.
“REIWA agents are in the community every single day and understand the role housing plays in the lives of all West Australians,” Mr Collins said.
“To see our local real estate community come together to raise such a significant sum of money for people experiencing homelessness is something we are very proud of.”
The Salvation Army Public Relations Secretary Warren Palmer revealed REIWA has donated $1 million.
The donations had helped the Salvos to provide 196,000 sessions of care and 3300 people with emergency accommodation and a pathway out of homelessness.
“The support from REIWA has made a substantial and lasting difference for the thousands of people who have encountered homelessness due to a range of life complexities,” Mr Palmer said.
“This financial support has helped us provide intensive and personalised case management to our clients, giving each person a unique and tailored approach to regenerate their own positive pathway in life.
“We all need a safe place to call home and the generosity of REIWA and its agents has helped this become a reality for many people who have felt trapped by hopelessness.”
The Salvation Army launched its annual Homelessness Week on Sunday, 1 August, which aims to raise awareness around people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face, and the action needed to achieve long-lasting housing solutions.
According to new research by the Salvos, the average life expectancy of a person experiencing homelessness in Australia is now just 50 years of age.
The study found that being homeless multiplies the risk of early death between three and seven times, bringing the national average to just 50 years of age.
It also found that a third of these deaths were preventable, and the result of illnesses that could have been treated with appropriate medical help.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows more than 9000 people in WA are experiencing homelessness, with 1000 of those living on the streets.
Mr Collins said that while WA was one of the most affordable places in the country to buy and rent in, for some people in the community, access to safe and affordable housing was still out of reach.
“The issue of homelessness is a community problem and one that we must all play a part in eradicating. Whilst the private rental sector plays a critical role in providing housing, it can’t shoulder this responsibility alone,” he said.
“There needs to be a national plan for housing on a bi-partisan basis that is supported by all levels of government. Increasing housing supply will improve overall affordability.
“Governments can contribute by quickening approval times, reducing the cost of the development application process, increasing density in appropriate locations, accelerating land release programs and establishing a government led mechanism for reliable data on housing demand and supply.
“On an individual level, I would encourage anyone who is in a position to help to dig deep and get behind the Salvos this Homelessness Week and beyond. Every donation, no matter how small, is important. It all adds up to make a big difference to those who are most vulnerable in our community.”
