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Granny Flats and Tiny Houses – Part of the Solution to Homelessness in Mandurah posted on the 1st June 2021
Homelessness…. unfortunately, it’s taking place right across our country, as everyday Australians struggle with the high demand for rental homes. How great is it to see the City of Mandurah taking such positive steps to reduce this?
Mandurah community service groups and City join forces to deliver homelessness strategy
Shannon Lawson, Mandurah Mail
20 May 2021
Compassionate approach: Mandurah’s new Homelessness and Street Present Strategy (2021-2023) aims to break the cycle of homelessness. Photo: Karleen Minney.
Tiny houses, micro housing and granny flats may be part of the solution to Mandurah’s homelessness issue.
Close to 80 people were sleeping rough in Mandurah in July and October last year, according to a street count – one of the highest numbers in WA.
Tackling the issue is no easy task and requires a collaborative approach according to the nine community service groups who have joined forces to deliver a new strategy with the City of Mandurah.
The new strategy is based on the lived experiences of 60 of the people who were homeless or sleeping rough in Mandurah.
Mayor Rhys Williams said the Mandurah Homelessness and Street Present Strategy (2021-2023), launched yesterday, aimed to break the cycle of homelessness.
The three-year plan focuses on four main objectives to tackle the issue: accessible accommodation, effective support systems, meaningful systemic change, and ensuring safety and security.
Some of the concrete actions to be undertaken include an audit of state and social housing stock, an investigation into using tiny homes and micro housing and granny flat opportunities on existing properties.
“We want to take meaningful, positive action to help people that are struggling to get back on their feet, and ensure there is a place for everyone,” Mayor Williams said.
“Despite negative feedback from some people who have said things like, ‘Don’t attract more homeless here’, we’re gonna put our money where our mouth is.
“This is all about working together to change Mandurah’s story and redefine our ambition for the future.”
The City’s assertive outreach service will be launched soon to connect homeless people with support services. The newly-built $100,000 community kitchen will also be open soon.
Sonia Woolley
0403 309 136
Written by Sonia Woolley