This August, the team at Safe Living Australia is proud to stand alongside community partners, service providers and experienced voices during Homelessness Week. This national event shines a spotlight on the causes of homelessness and, more importantly, how we can prevent it. This year’s theme is “Homelessness Action Now”. As always, there’s a strong focus on prevention alongside opportunities for education, advocacy and solutions that make a difference. We want to have real conversation, but more than that, we want practical change across Western Australia. Homelessness Week matters! We work with individuals and families at risk of homelessness. We know that homelessness doesn’t begin the day someone sleeps rough. It starts long before, with systemic barriers, financial pressure, family breakdowns, violence and abuse, and gaps in the support system. That’s why we’re passionate about early intervention and wraparound support services. Safe Living helps address the root causes and help people stay housed, connected, and safe. Homelessness Week gives us the chance to share that message loud and clear. Say “hi” to us! Nat, Anita and Mia from the Safe Living team will be attending several key events hosted by Shelter WA throughout the week. If you’re planning to attend, keep an eye out for our them at these Shelter WA events! Lived Experience Homelessness Forum – Wednesday 30 July Peer-led Systems Change – Connection is Prevention A day dedicated to the voices and leadership of those with lived experience, exploring how their insight can drive change. Homelessness Prevention Forum – Wednesday 6 August Breaking Barriers, Designing Solutions . This event focuses on what’s working — and what still needs to change — to prevent homelessness before it begins. Local Government Workshop – Wednesday 13 August Your Role in Prevention . A targeted workshop on how councils and communities can embed prevention into local housing strategies. Beyond the week. Homelessness Week might only run for seven days, but the work doesn’t stop there. Every conversation, every connection, and every commitment made during this week helps build momentum toward lasting change. Safe Living remains dedicated to supporting people on the edge of homelessness — and to champion systems that ensure fewer people reach that edge at all. How Safe Living supports people experiencing homelessness. We provide practical, person-centred support to people facing homelessness or housing insecurity. Specifically, this looks like urgent housing , residential care , NDIS emergency housing , and transitional housing for young people leaving the foster system . We work closely with individuals and families through outreach services, crisis accommodation referrals, and ongoing case management. We help them navigate their options, connect to housing pathways, and access the wraparound services they need to build a safer, more stable future. Want to get involved with Homelessness Week 2025? Visit homelessnessaustralia.org.au or shelterwa.org.au to learn more, attend an event, or access their Homelessness Week Action Kit.
We are still breathless every time we look at this artwork. Entitled Safe Living Australia , this powerful piece was created especially for us—and it beautifully captures who we are and what we stand for. It’s our story, told through symbols and shared meaning, and grounded in a deep respect for Indigenous culture and connection. At the heart of the piece is one large central meeting place. This represents Safe Living Australia: the charity itself. Radiating from that central space are many smaller meeting places, each connected to the centre. These represent the vulnerable communities we support—NDIS participants, young people leaving care, survivors of domestic violence, and others facing housing insecurity. Bordering the artwork are hills, symbols of the challenges and barriers many of our clients face. But these hills also speak to strength, movement and growth—and that this is an ongoing journey. This artwork also reminds us why cultural understanding is essential to what we do. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be overrepresented among those at risk of homelessness. Understanding Indigenous culture, history and the intergenerational impacts of trauma is not optional—it’s vital. It’s the foundation of providing respectful, effective support. It’s how we build genuine connection, trust and safety. We are honoured to have this story told in such a meaningful way, and we remain committed to walking alongside Indigenous Australians with compassion, humility and purpose.
At Safe Living Australia, we believe that a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future is possible when we come together. That’s why we’re proud to announce our membership with Understorey, a national platform created to grow participation and capability in Australia’s social enterprise sector. What is Understorey? Understorey is a shared online space built by and for social enterprises. It's a hub where changemakers can learn, share ideas, and access high-quality resources to help their organisations thrive. Supported by the Australian Government through the Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI), Understorey exists to help build a future where all people can flourish. Here’s why we joined. Safe Living Australia is deeply committed to social and public welfare. Our work focuses on helping people in crisis—those without shelter, safety, or a support system to fall back on. By becoming part of the Understorey community, we’re strengthening our ability to do just that. Through Understorey, we gain access to a wealth of collective wisdom, diverse perspectives, and practical resources that support our mission. We’re especially aligned with its focus on inclusion—amplifying the voices of those often left out of decision-making. These voices are central to our work, and to meaningful social change. How this supports our mission. Our core purpose is to provide sanctuary and support to people in need. We offer short- and long-term accommodation across the Perth metro area, often in partnership with government agencies, case managers, and community organisations. But our work doesn’t stop at housing. We also help people connect with services, find employment, set personal and professional goals, and build the confidence to participate fully in society. Through Understorey, we’re able to tap into new ideas, tools and networks that can strengthen these supports. It also gives us a platform to contribute our knowledge, share what’s working, and help shape a more inclusive social enterprise sector. Looking ahead. Understorey isn’t a static resource—it’s designed to grow and evolve with its users. As more organisations, individuals, and communities join the conversation, its value for Safe Living will become even more critical. We’re excited to contribute to this growing ecosystem and to learn from others along the way! Know someone who needs support now? We have urgent housing available. Use our referral form to get started.
