{
  "id": 13272964,
  "title": "Homelessness camp in Perth's south tip of iceberg",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/homelessness-camp-in-perths-south-tip-of-iceberg",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-10T00:45:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-10/homelessness-increase-perth/107178436"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The recent dismantling of a homelessness camp in Perth's southern suburbs merely scratches the surface of a growing crisis, according to the Salvation Army's outreach team leader in Western Australia, Brett McCaul. McCaul has been working in the sector for six years and emphasizes that the challenge isn't just the rising number of people in need, but the diverse demographic groups, including dual-income families. McCaul notes that there are too few resources to accommodate the growing number of families seeking assistance.\n\nThe issue extends beyond just families; elderly individuals are also affected, staying in transitional services that should be providing care for the elderly. Homelessness is a problem that can affect anyone, as demonstrated by the 45 people who recently camped along Memorial Drive in Rockingham. The same situation exists in Perth's north, where a 36% increase in demand for help has been reported over the past year, driven by factors such as family and domestic violence and rising rents. Even long-term employed individuals are finding themselves at risk of homelessness due to the inability to afford basic necessities.\n\nMaija Hildebrand, Vinnies WA’s service development manager, leads the Joondalup-Wanneroo Ending Homeless Group. She explains that those in need now include couples, pet owners, and families trying to send their children to school. Although homelessness may not be as visible as in some areas, Hildebrand stresses that it is still a significant issue.\n\nData from the City of Wanneroo shows that around one-third of people sleeping rough in the area were doing so in their cars last financial year. Neil Clifford-Mills, a 66-year-old man, has firsthand experience of sleeping in his car as his home until he ended up on a park bench in Inglewood in February. Clifford-Mills, who is receiving Centrelink payments while managing health issues, struggled to find suitable accommodation after losing his friend's support. He believes that the available housing is insufficient, and workers often report that there are simply no options available.\n\nLibby Sweeney, who has been without stable accommodation for nearly three years, shares her experience of being homeless with her two dogs, Pablo and Yogi. The limitations on accommodation options for pet owners make it difficult for her to find suitable housing. Sweeney stresses the need for stronger local support services, as they can better leverage existing support networks rather than forcing individuals to travel to central Perth.\n\nHomelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn responded to the issue by mentioning that this year's state budget includes an additional $91.1 million for homelessness services. However, service providers, local governments, and community organizations continue to face challenges such as a shortage of crisis accommodation, transitional, short-term, and medium-term housing options for adults over 25. Maija Hildebrand highlights the lack of available options to help people get back on the right path.",
  "summary": "More people, from all walks of life, including dual income families, are becoming homeless, sector workers say, as rising rents and the cost of living bites.",
  "key_points": [
    "Perth's homelessness camp is just a small part of a larger crisis.",
    "Elderly individuals and dual-income families are among those affected.",
    "Budget includes $91.1 million for homelessness services."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The dismantling of the Perth homelessness camp highlights the widening gap between growing demand for assistance and insufficient resources, affecting increasingly diverse demographics, including families, elderly, and employed individuals.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}