A line in the sand: Accordwest takes action to overcome homelessness in the South West

Symposium100 unlocks realistic solutions, establishes working group to move forward

A bold vision to design, fund, and build at least 100 brand new social houses across the South West is another step closer to becoming a reality. This exciting initiative follows the alarming rise in rough sleeping in the South West, with a staggering 62.9% increase in homelessness. The widespread issue continues to impact the community, with the ‘Advance to Zero’ campaign highlighting severe health and wellbeing challenges among those experiencing homelessness, including heatstroke, serious brain injuries, epilepsy, asthma, and kidney disease. Over half of the homeless population reported depression and anxiety, and nearly a third were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Alarmingly, only 22.2% of those surveyed felt their basic needs were met, despite 90.7% having a regular income. The data indicates a troubling trend of ‘rent stress,’ where employed families are increasingly facing homelessness as incomes fail to cover rental costs.

Highlighting the urgency of addressing this crisis, a recently commissioned industry report estimates the South West Region will need 5,600 new homes by 2041. To meet this demand, social and affordable housing stock must grow by an average of 5.8% annually, equating to 200-300 additional homes each year. The challenge is clear, the vision is set – as a community we must create viable solutions.

On May 10, Accordwest’s Symposium100 event at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre marked a significant springboard moment in the South West’s work in support of homeless people. Bringing together 54 attendees from diverse sectors – including government agencies, local authorities, community housing providers, and construction companies – the event showed that there are complex development paths to take, from identifying, financing, and securing land, to the logistics of building social and affordable housing at scale in regional areas. With compelling presentations from Social Venture Australia and influential figures like The Hon Don Punch MLA, Kath Snell CEO of ShelterWA, and Michala McMahon Director Practice and Improvement from the WA Alliance to End Homelessness, the day was a powerful confirmation of the opportunity.

A group of South West leaders who expressed interest to follow up on the Symposium met in Bunbury on the 7th of August during Homelessness week 2024 to discuss details on how best to proceed; they agreed to meet regularly to make the gains needed across the South West. Accordwest CEO Evan Nunn, and the Accordwest Social and Affordable Housing Development team, are enthusiastic about promoting the solutions and offering support to ensure there are collaborative community based models developed and we are advocating and working diligently to secure a fair share of State and Commonwealth funding and reduce project costs at scale.

Many innovative solutions were proposed, such as utilising modular housing and standardised designs to speed up construction and streamline development. Exciting opportunities were also identified for state and local governments to pinpoint land for development and facilitate approvals, while private sector partnerships and new financing models were highlighted as key strategies to expand community housing. To drive this ambitious project and deliver a robust funding application that brings the vision to life, Accordwest is taking the lead forming the dedicated working group, comprising experts in funding applications and financial expertise to project management, construction and fabrication, government and community engagement, and housing and homelessness services.

The Symposium100 sets the agenda showing that working together we are ready, willing and able to deliver the social and affordable housing the South West desperately needs. Accordwest openly invites the community and stakeholders to join this transformative journey to make homelessness a rare, brief, and one-off occurrence.

About Accordwest
Accordwest is a not-for-profit provider of community support services in the South West with a purpose to support more people experiencing hardship and disadvantage to live the life they choose to live. For over 40 years, people have been our purpose, driven by a belief that ‘every story matters’, no matter how big, how small, or who is telling the story. As a progressive local agency immersed in our local community, we’re uniquely placed to explore innovative new ways to develop services that deliver deep-reaching impacts. Whether it’s coaching families to improve their relationships and parenting skills, supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, helping children and young people who need out-of-home care, working with people exiting the prison system to adjust naturally back into a normal life, or providing emergency relief services for people in times of urgent need. Anyone seeking support can connect with Accordwest on 1800 115 799. Accordwest has service centres located in Bunbury, Busselton, and by appointment at our shared space in Manjimup. The organisation also provides outreach across the South West, including Collie, Harvey, and Margaret River.

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