We caught up with Kate Greenway from The Salvation Army who inspired us with the work she and her team do helping people who are experiencing homelessness in Perth.
At REIWA, we are proud to support the incredible work of the Salvos through our Community REInvest program, with our members contributing over 500 volunteer hours last financial year and more than $1.6 million over the decade-long partnership.
Q: Can you provide any figures on homelessness in Perth over the past five years? Has it been increasing or decreasing, and why?
Kate: According to 2021 census data, nearly 10,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in WA, with about 24% sleeping rough. Homelessness is often underreported, so the real numbers are likely higher, especially given the rising cost of living and tight rental market since then.
We've seen a significant increase in the number of families and women experiencing homelessness. Our Street to Home Team, for example, noted a shift in the gender balance, with more women than men seeking assistance in the second half of 2023. Relationship breakdowns, domestic violence and financial insecurity are major factors driving this trend, particularly among women over 55.
Q: What has it been like working with REIWA? What have been some of the major highlights from your perspective?
Kate: REIWA has been a key partner, providing financial support, donations, and, importantly, raising awareness around issues of housing and homelessness. One of the biggest highlights has been their hands-on involvement, such as when REIWA's President and CEO joined our Street Outreach Service for a ride-along. It was an excellent example of how deeply they care about the cause.
The recent sponsorship of our new Street Outreach Service vehicle is another major achievement. This new fit-for-purpose vehicle, featuring artwork from someone with lived experience of homelessness, will allow our team to serve the community more effectively. It's a meaningful upgrade from the older van that was no longer suitable for the demands of the service.
REIWA has also made huge contributions through their donations of sleeping bags, which are essential for those sleeping rough. Their financial donations via the Community REInvest program support our services across WA, ensuring programs have the resources they need.
Q: Can you share any statistics or stories that highlight the positive outcomes of your community initiatives?
Kate: One of our flagship programs, the Street Outreach Service (SOS), runs every weekend, providing hot meals, drinks and essential items like hygiene packs and sleeping gear to people sleeping rough in Perth. From July 2023 to June 2024, the SOS provided nearly 2,400 meals, over 300 sleeping items and supported 20-25 clients each night.
These services offer more than just physical necessities. Our volunteers provide a vital human connection, showing those we serve that they are cared for. The new SOS van, kindly sponsored by REIWA, allows us to deliver these services more effectively and with greater dignity.
Another important initiative supported by REIWA is our tenancy education workshops at The Beacon. In 2023-24, we held 16 housing education sessions, reaching 52 clients. These sessions are crucial in helping individuals maintain stable tenancies, empowering them to break the cycle of homelessness.
Q: Is there anything REIWA members can do to provide more support to The Salvation Army?
Kate: Continued donations of sleeping bags and financial support through Community REInvest are invaluable. Additionally, providing affordable rental options for families and individuals would greatly alleviate pressure on homelessness services, particularly for those with positive rental histories who simply cannot afford the current market rates.
Raising awareness about the housing crisis and homelessness is equally important. By educating the community and breaking down stigma, we can work toward real solutions.
Q: Are there any exciting upcoming projects you can share with us?
Kate: One exciting development is the extension of our Subiaco Engagement and Assessment Team (SEAT) project, in partnership with the City of Subiaco. SEAT provides rough sleepers with meals, hygiene services, and access to support, all in a welcoming hub.
We're also exploring new housing opportunities in regional WA, aimed at providing supported and permanent social housing for individuals and families. These projects will ensure holistic care, with on-site services to meet residents' needs.
Q: Lastly, on a personal note, what inspires you to wake up and go to work each day?
Kate: For me, housing is a basic human right, and working with The Salvation Army allows me to contribute to realising that right for people in crisis. Over the past 12 years, I've had the privilege of seeing how much resilience, hope and transformation can come from the right support. Leading a compassionate and dedicated team in this mission is incredibly rewarding, and no two days are ever the same.
Working for the Salvos is about rolling up your sleeves and working with some of the most vulnerable in the community and, for me, this is the best reason to wake up and come into work every day.
