Geraldton homelessness rises 47 per cent in five years, according to Shelter WA analysis of ABS Census data

The extent of the homelessness crisis gripping the State has been laid bare by alarming new figures which reveal a 47 per cent surge in the number of people identifying as homeless in greater Geraldton over the past five years.

Shelter WA analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows there were 253 people in greater Geraldton experiencing a form of homelessness on the night of the 2021 Census, compared to 172 during the 2016 Census.

The biggest groups represented were those sleeping rough (62 in 2021, up 77 per cent), couch surfing (89, up 37 per cent) and living in severely overcrowded conditions (65, up 171 per cent).

Across the Mid West, 352 people reported being homeless in 2021, compared to 285 in 2016, a rise of 23.5 per cent. The biggest category increase was those living in severely overcrowded conditions (up 96 per cent).

The data reveals a homeless breakdown within Mid West towns, including Morawa (33), Northampton (25), Meekatharra (24), Irwin (10), Chapman Valley (4) and Yalgoo (3). Census night in 2021 occurred four months after cyclone Seroja tore through multiple Mid West towns, destroying hundreds of homes.

Regional Alliance West operations manager Chris Gabelish believed these figures were understated and estimated there was double the amount of people couch surfing in Geraldton.

“People are a little bit fearful to admit they have overcrowding in their property,” he said. “We need more housing, both social and particularly public housing.”

“People that cannot get into housing that is income-related then that falls solely on the State Government. People that have paid income who can get into a rental property but they can’t afford it, then that fits more squarely with social housing.”

Mr Gabelish said services in Geraldton were inundated with people in need and at times felt overwhelmed.

“We are always at full book in terms of appointments and dealing with people,” he said.

“Some things are being done, for example refurbishments of existing properties, but a lack of tradies and the cost of materials means the rollout in refurbishment is a hell of a lot slower than what we like.”

Mr Gabelish said the dramatic rise in homelessness would not ease until more houses were available.

“You can have all the support services under the sun but if people aren’t in properties, don’t expect anything to change,” he said.

“The amount of money that could be saved if more housing was provided — it would decrease the need for services the Government is providing — it’s a win-win for the Government.”

Housing Minister John Carey admitted he wasn’t surprised by the sharp jump in rough sleepers.

“I want to assure West Australians we are acutely aware of the pressures that have been faced in the market, and that’s why we are throwing everything we can to boost social housing supply and also homelessness support,” he said.

Shelter WA chief executive officer Kath Snell said the “devastating” figures showed WA’s responses to housing and homelessness were not making an impact.

“This data demonstrates what we have been saying for years — that our services are overwhelmed,” she said.