Andrew and Nehi are at the forefront of an increasing number of circumstantial homeless, as victims of Perth’s growing rental crisis.
Latest data shows record-high rents amid a record-low (below 0.5%) vacancy rate. The median asking rent for houses jumped 18 per cent to $650 a week in the year to March – the biggest increase across the capitals – according to a recent Domain Rent Report.
Andrew and Nehi lost their rental accommodation in Annie’s Landing over a year ago and have been unable to secure a new place. Their plight drove them first into the city in order to be near the hospital, where Andrew needed a spinal cord operation and Nehi was treated for breast cancer. They found some segments of the homeless community in Perth less than welcoming. Nehi says ‘Apart from all the drugs which is very scary, there was also a lot of racism towards Andrew.’
‘Many times at Tranby’s in the city (food kitchen) the aboriginals or Africans would come up and take my food away. So we came back up to Ellenbrook’ Andrew says.
Andrew and Nehi have been living in a Gazebo in a local park, but they try to be as inconspicuous as possible. ‘We try to be as civilised as possible, we clean up before we leave each day, we feel we’re sort of ‘guests’ ‘, Andrew says.
Far from the antisocial stigma usually associated with people sleeping rough in public areas, Andrew and Nehi are well-spoken, polite and neat, and don’t use drugs or alcohol.
They have no family support network to help them and in an additional cruel blow, Andrew’s mother passed away only two months ago, but they do receive a lot of community support.
Nehi says,  ‘We make sure that we don’t bother people, we don’t ask for money or gifts but there are many locals who help us out with clothing and food when needed’.
Living on the street is not that cheap either, says Andrew, despite receiving Centrelink payments of roughly $350 per week, travel to medical appointments, laundry mat costs and, since they are unable to cook, a hot meal will be takeaway. They are both extremely grateful for the community foodbank and other local meal services run by individuals.
Another problem they have is that government services want to split them up. ‘When you come off the street, they always separate men and women for accommodation. There’s nothing for couples.’ Andrew says.
As for the future, Andrew says they’ve given up finding a house or unit. ‘With my mum’s recent death, there’s a small inheritance coming my way, and we’re hoping to buy a small campervan, at least we’ll be able to keep our stuff safe’.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, contact:
- Crisis Care (Department of Communities): 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008
- Entrypoint: 1800 124 684
Engagement hubs for people experiencing homelessness:
- Ruah Engagement Hub: 13 78 24
247 James St Northbridge - Tranby Day Centre: 9220 1288
Unit 6/5 Aberdeen Street, East Perth
If you are a young person needing assistance:
- Passages Youth Engagement Hub: 9228 1478
- Youth Accomodation Support Service (Mission Australia): 9329 4480
- For LGBTIQ+ youth specific information, please contact PICYS 9388 2791 OR please see the brochure here
For more information of services available, please see the Homeless Services in the Inner City Directory.
