First pulse check on homelessness shares sector updates and takes on new project to prevent returns to homelessness

The first of four annual pulse checks on homelessness began on Wednesday 25 March 2026 at The Platform in Perth. A mixture of 39 community members (some with lived experience of homelessness), sector professionals and advocates came together to discuss emerging trends and challenges surrounding homelessness in Perth.

One of the key focus areas of the sessions was led by Shannen Vallesi, Research Associate at the University of Notre Dame’s Home2Health team. She presented on the next impact project commissioned by WAAEH, ‘Preventing Returns to Homelessness’ that explores why individuals may return to homelessness after being housed. Seeking to identify preventative measures, the session included a short workshop to gain input from the group and people with lived experience on how this project will be shaped.

The Pulse session included opportunities for participants to share bright spots and updates on current projects, including:

• Shelter WA shared that the Income Eligibility Project, initially supported through the 2024–25 Pulse sessions, has now received funding. The project seeks to gather data and examine how social housing income limits affect tenants’ ability to access and retain employment. It also addresses whether policy changes could reduce poverty while also unlocking an untapped workforce to address labour shortages.
• City of Vincent updated on the collaborative work happening between Local Governments and Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA). A Local Government Survey on Homelessness has been distributed by WALGA to assist them to understand how they could review their advocacy position on homelessness, and, in turn, aim to provide a stronger statewide direction for LG’s to inform their advocacy.
• The Mandurah/Rockingham/Kwinana (MKR) Zero project shared the work of their Improvement Teams in developing better referral pathways for mental health services in their community.
• Perth Rotary Club shared the news that their dental van service has been expanded to include specific engagement hubs around the metro area.
• Home2Health shared another new research project the y are undertaking which looks at barriers faced by individuals without visas in accessing support services.
• Noongar Mia Mia discussed the success of the Noongar Housing First Principles in WA as well as interest for localised principles to be developed across the country. New funding from the WA government has seen training sessions rolled out in Perth throughout 2026.

Subsequent pulse sessions are scheduled for the following dates:

• Monday 25 May 2026, City West Lotteries House
• Monday 27 July 2026, City West Lotteries House
• Monday 21 September, City West Lotteries House

Pulse sessions are open to anyone committed to driving meaningful change in the homelessness sector.

Pulse Sessions are a cornerstone of how we drive progress toward our vision of ending homelessness. These interactive gatherings bring together community members, sector professionals, and experts to connect, collaborate, and explore solutions to the complex challenges within our homelessness system”

 

21/04/2026 EventNewsNews and EventsWAAEH