G.I.F.T was originally formed in Perth, WA – and while we help fight poverty worldwide, we are conscious that it exists right on our own doorstep as well.
The number of homeless in Perth has jumped 12 per cent over five years and the number of rough sleepers is rising even faster, up 17 per cent in the same time. A lack of affordable housing, Federal Government policy changes that have cut support payments and rents that have risen faster than inflation have been blamed for a spike in homelessness across the Perth.
Homelessness rates increased 14 per cent between 2016 and 2021 and rough sleeping rose 20 per cent. The country’s population rose 9 per cent over the same time period. It also found a big increase in the number of elderly homeless people, up 28 per cent.
