Community takes initiative to paint clearer image of Albany’s housing crisis and extent of homelessness

Agencies and organisations in Albany are collaborating on a project to produce a more accurate representation of homelessness in the region. The community-led initiative Albany Connection Point will collect firsthand experiences from members of the community who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. The information will support a funding application for a longitudinal study that will equip local organisations with better data in their efforts to tackle housing issues. Advance Housing chief executive John Lysaught said he believed the extent of the region’s housing crisis and instances of homelessness were not reflected properly by statistics. “For decades, there has been a lack of information around the depth and detail of the problem for this region,” he said. “Organisations in the space know that it’s a problem and there has been lots of work done around possible solutions. “In order to best focus our resources and seek additional resources, we need an evidence base and ultimately we’re seeking a longitudinal study to be done; this is the first point of call.” ACP will hold its first information-gathering session on Wednesday at Advance Housing. Organisations that will be on hand to talk to will include Albany Community Foundation, Albany Youth Support Association, Albany Community Legal Centre, Anglicare WA, Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Pivot Support Services. The organisations will provide advice as well as vouchers, hot food and hot drinks. Priceline Pharmacy will also be on hand to administer free flu and COVID vaccinations. AYSA chief executive Ian Clarke said there was a strong mindset of focused collaboration between organisation that allowed projects to get off the ground in Albany. “All of the organisations are talking together on a regular basis, which makes us a very viable community to do anything with,” he said. “You can guarantee that everyone is going to work together instead of against each other.” Mr Lysaught said he was hopeful the longitudinal study could formally start “within six months” if the resources are secured. He said the study would be a “forward-looking initiative” focused on gathering evidence to provide solutions. Wednesday’s session runs from 8am at Advance Housing’s Gavin Ellis Room.