Connections Week

JUST HOME’S CONNECTIONS WEEK (3-6 MARCH) AIMS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOMELESSNESS IN THE REGION, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUGUSTA MARGARET RIVER SHIRE

From 3–6 March, the Augusta Margaret River community will come together for Just Home’s “Connections Week”, a bold and proactive initiative canvassing the region, to better understand and respond to homelessness as well as offer a dedicated Community Hub to provide essential services and support to those in need. 

Connections Week will reach people where they are — in parks, cars, temporary accommodation, couch-surfing arrangements, and other insecure living situations — to ensure every person experiencing homelessness is seen, heard and counted in a nationally recognised survey. This data will build an accurate picture of homelessness in the region to enable Just Home and the Shire to advocate for the funding and services the community needs and make systems change. 

Shire President, Julia Jean-Rice said the Shire was proud to fund this initiative through its Community Development and Events grants as there was an urgent need for up to date, quality data.

“Augusta-Margaret River is often perceived as an affluent area, so homelessness isn’t something many people associate with our shire, and it’s more widespread than many people realise,” she said. 

“We need accurate data that the State Government can’t ignore, which is why we’re using a nationally recognised survey to collect information that will demonstrate there is a real demand for social housing in the Shire, as well as on the ground support services.

The Shire President also added homelessness isn’t always visible.

“Homelessness doesn’t just mean sleeping rough. It can include people who don’t have a permanent home, are living in unsafe or overcrowded housing, lack secure tenancy rights, or are in temporary or unstable arrangements,” she said.

Just Home spokesperson, Alice Marshall said Connections Week was an important step towards for developing tailored solutions for our community and urged people to be counted.

“Homelessness is not someone else’s problem, it’s a community issue, and everyone has a role to play in addressing it”, she said. 

“If you, or someone you know, is experiencing homelessness, we encourage you to be counted and if you are not - help us spread the word about Connections Week by talking to your friends and colleagues about it,  or join us as a volunteer. There are so many ways you can help.”

In addition to the community-wide survey, a dedicated Community Hub open on the 5 & 6 March, at the Margaret River Community Centre will provide people practical assistance and access to local support services including legal advice, income and healthcare support, housing assistance, and ID clinics. Food and emergency relief packs will also be available.

Just Home is also looking for businesses to support Connections Week and the Community Hub. If you can help with practical services, vouchers, donations, food or your time, please sign up to the pledge at www.justhome.org.au .

Findings from Connections Week will be presented at the official Project Report Launch on 2 April at 10:30am at the Margaret River Council Chambers. The entire community is invited to attend and be part of shaping meaningful, long-term solutions.