Albany Youth Support Association boss says homelessness figures are higher that what Government reports reveal

Recent statistics revealing the amount of people experiencing, or risk of homeless in the Great Southern are “hugely understated”, according to the chief executive of an Albany support service. Albany Youth Support Association boss Ian Clarke said the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s latest regional breakdown — which reveals 461 homeless and 897 at-risk people in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt — is much lower than the actual figures. “When we’ve done the local surveys, the numbers are actually much higher than what the Government figures are reporting,” he said. “We know that the government reporting systems aren’t necessarily going to be able to provide the most up-to-date information and one of the big pushes that agencies have is for governments to work harder to have contemporary data delivered to people on the ground. “The more timely it is, the better prepared and more strategic we can be — it’s data in and data out.” Figures from homelessness peak body Shelter WA also revealed that about a third of clients presenting to agencies across WA are aged below 17, and two-thirds of them were women. Mr Clarke said that number was growing each year. “It’s getting worse as there is no housing available effectively,” he said. “What we’re seeing is the young people that present to us need longer support from our staff and that the level of complexity is more every year. “They usually have at least two issues that are impacting on their lives significantly. “We would say that there’s more women than the past, but there are also lots of young males falling under the radar.” Shelter WA chief executive Kath Snell echoed that this year’s Homelessness Week theme of prevention puts a spotlight on government efforts and encouraged more progress. “These figures are heartbreaking. Too many West Australians, including women and children, are teetering on the edge of homelessness or already caught in its grip,” she said. “There is a critical need for continued collaboration between government, community organisations and service providers to support people across the State who are experiencing housing instability.” Mr Clarke said collaboration in the sector already shines. “Albany for example is a community that sees a lot of people experiencing homelessness because it is a safe place, and people come here to be safe” he said. “It’s like every regional country town and our service are all working at optimal levels. “The services combined all do a great job and I’ve found it the most collaborative place to work. “Together we are really trying to make a difference and make sure we don’t miss anyone.” Homelessness Week runs from August 4 to 10.