A man who has seen the depth of drug-abuse and homelessness first-hand has urged councils across Western Australia to take notice of a Mandurah-led initiative that aims to give back dignity to the community’s most vulnerable members.
A free shower facility recently opened along Tuart Avenue in central Mandurah, which provides a safe space for homeless people to have a warm shower and get changed on a regular basis.
Rockingham man Owen Farmer has been volunteering at the centre since its opening and believes the model should be implemented in cities and towns statewide.
If I can give one man a shave and a clean up, it’s worth its weight in gold.
- Western Australian Homeless Advocacy chief executive officer Owen Farmer
In his role as WA Homeless Advocacy chief executive officer, Mr Farmer has met some of the state’s most vulnerable people.
Mr Farmer said he could relate to vulnerable people’s stories because he had “seen tough times”.
“I’m an ex-homeless man myself,” he said.
“I’m an ex-prisoner and an ex-domestic violence man.
“I’ve done everything from alcohol to drugs. Now, I’m 26 years clean and sober.”
Speaking from his own experiences, Mr Farmer said something as little as a shower provided people with dignity.
“It brings dignity back into their lives and gives them privacy,” he said.
“If I can give one man a shave and a cleanup, it’s worth its weight in gold.”
He also highlighted the emotional support available at the Tuart Avenue building, as a chance to experience the “strength and hope needed to solve their common problems”.
Mr Farmer highlighted his hometown of Rockingham as a place that could significantly benefit from a similar facility.
He said he was doing all he could to “get the word out there” about the benefits of a facility like Mandurah’s.
“It’s very important in Mandurah… [because] of the high number of rough sleepers here,” he said.
The community shower block was established after several years of advocating by Mandurah-based emergency support body, WestAus Crisis & Welfare Services.
The centre is run by volunteers and WestAus Crisis & Welfare Services staff members.
The showers are located at 2 Tuart Avenue and are currently open between 9am and 12pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Times will change depending on demand.
Follow Caitlyn Rintoul on Twitter via @caitlynrintoul.
