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The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia and its agents have launched a campaign to bring comfort to the homeless during the winter months.
The REIWA has thrown its support behind The Salvation Army’s annual Sleeping Bag Appeal, which encourages Western Australians to donate warm sleeping bags and blankets to designated collection points.
REIWA president Hayden Groves said that winter months were especially tough for those on the streets.
“Most of us take it for granted that we have a roof over our head and a warm, safe place to sleep at night,” the president said.
Mr Groves added that the appeal was a small way to bring warmth to those on the street.
“West Australians are well known for their generosity, so I encourage everyone who is in a position to help to donate a sleeping bag or blanket to this very worthy cause,” Mr Groves said.
The Salvation Army released the findings of their annual Economic, Social and Impact Survey (ESIS) last week which highlighted homelessness in WA.
The report found that half of the respondents said that their financial situation had worsened over the past 12 months, and one in five said that finding a safe place to live was their greatest daily challenge.
Mr Groves said that the results of the survey were troubling and more needed to be done to help the homeless in WA.
“Every West Australian deserves access to safe, affordable and accessible housing options,” the president said.
Mr Groves called for a coordinated approach to help fix the issue as people could not do it alone.
“Housing stress is a major contributor to the growing levels of homelessness on our streets, and charitable groups like The Salvation Army are not going to be able to fix this problem alone.
“Homelessness is complex and we need a coordinated approach from all levels of government in collaboration with the private sector to help eradicate it.”
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