Homelessness in Western Australia: Myths vs. Reality

When most people picture homelessness, they imagine someone sleeping rough on a sidewalk or bench in Perth’s city centre. However, this hardship is only a small part of the issue. The real numbers are more concerning, with 9729 Western Australians experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to Shelter WA. The biggest misconception is that most people experiencing homelessness are sleeping rough, the truth is, they are either couch surfing, staying in overcrowded houses, or relying on short-term crisis accommodation.

Following Homelessness Week 2025, The Spiers Centre is proud to announce the " It Starts With Hello” campaign. A simple greeting can open the door to connection, and connection is often the first step toward change. An inclusive community is at the core of connection and amplifies the need to challenge myths surrounding homelessness.

Myth 1: “Homelessness in Perth is an Indigenous problem and only happens in the CBD.”

Reality: While Perth’s city centre makes homelessness more visible, the issue spreads right across the city. Housing insecurity is not specific to any region or race, all Perth suburbs are affected, and in many Aboriginal communities, the most common form of homelessness is because of overcrowding.

Myth 2: “People are homeless because they don’t work hard enough.”

Reality: Many people who seek help are working or studying, but WA’s rental crisis has left them unable to keep a roof over their head. Perth has one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country, and rent prices have climbed sharply in recent years. For a family or an individual already under financial stress, even the slightest setback, like losing a job, an illness, or a relationship breakdown, can push them into homelessness.

Myth 3: “Support services are only for people sleeping rough.”

Reality: Organisations like The Spiers Centre don’t just help those without a roof. We provide financial hardship services, mental well-being support, and emergency relief to prevent people from losing their homes in the first place. Many of the people who walk through our doors are doing everything they can to stay housed, but need short-term support to get through a crisis.

 

Why this matters for WA

Homelessness carries a heavy cost for individuals, families, and society. Without safe housing, it’s harder to work, study, or maintain health and well-being. Communities also feel the impact through increased demand on healthcare, welfare, and justice services. By breaking down myths and sharing the real story, we can build understanding and compassion across WA.

At The Spiers Centre, we see every day that homelessness does not define a person. With the right support, people can rebuild, recover, and thrive. Nobody is immune to hardship, but everybody deserves dignity and hope.

Your journey to making an impact starts here.

Awareness is the first step, but action is what creates change. By volunteering, donating, or even starting a conversation, you can help make WA a place where everyone feels supported. Learn more about the work we do at The Spiers Centre here.

Together, let’s create change.

• Support The Spiers Centre, volunteer, or become a partner

• Donate today, a small gift can change somebody’s tomorrow

• Say "Hello", let’s start the conversation

#ItStartsWithHello #TheSpiersCentre #HomelessnessAwareness #HomelessnessInWA #PerthCommunity #TheDigitalMarketingCrew #ECUMKT5325

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(Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University).