The City of Fremantle is marking Homelessness Week (2–8 August 2020) with a donation drive to support vulnerable people facing homelessness in the community.

Held annually across Australia, Homelessness Week puts the spotlight on homelessness and the solutions required to end this complex and challenging problem.

It is estimated that more than 9000 Western Australians experience homelessness every night, a third of which are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

This number is expected to grow, not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but across the whole population as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the City’s Community Development team had been working hard on responding to the changing needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the latest initiative was a donation drive to support people experiencing homelessness.

“Fremantle has always been a generous community with a long-standing history of giving, and this year there are several ways residents can lend a helping hand,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Firstly, residents can purchase a voucher for an essential service or item of their choice depending on what they feel comfortable giving. This could include a voucher for groceries, a haircut at a local hairdresser salon or simply a coffee from a Fremantle café, which is then emailed to n2n@fremantle.wa.gov.au or dropped off at the City’s administration building.

“These vouchers will be collated and shared with local not-for-profit organisations, including St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, Uniting WA, Port Care, Freo Street Doctor, Homeless Healthcare, Foundation Housing, Youth Futures, Ngatti House and Lucy Saw Centre to give to their vulnerable clients.”

Residents can also support the ongoing Donate without doubt campaign, which began in 2016, and place their spare change into one of the ‘lifesaver’ collection boxes located throughout the Fremantle city centre.

All Donate without doubt donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by the City of Fremantle and given to St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, which goes towards emergency relief, housing, meals, education and health services.

As of 14 July 2020, a total of $19,789.60 has been donated to St Pat’s, which goes toward providing emergency relief, housing, meals, education and health services.

Another way to make a difference this Homelessness Week is by giving to the Community Shelf at Fremantle Library. Donations of non-perishable food, personal hygiene and sanitary items, socks, thongs, beanies or hats and baby/kids’ essentials are always needed and appreciated.

For more information about the City’s Homelessness Week donation drive, visit the City’s website.

To learn more about the ongoing Donate without doubt campaign, click here.