Ever wondered how you can support the homeless in Mandurah?
For Homelessness Week 2020, running from August 3-9, the Mandurah Mail has highlighted some of the ways you can help our most vulnerable residents.
Mayor Rhys Williams encourages community to be compassionate
Should we give money to the homeless is a question Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams gets asked often.
Pushing for the homeless to instead receive financial support from outreach services, Mr Williams said instead of giving money we should offer other types of support.
"When we offer someone who is homeless cash the challenge is that it prolongs the time for a person to get the help they might need," he said.
"The assertive outreach is specifically designed to assist people who are homeless in getting the help they need.
"We are far better of offering some compassion and support - Contribute by helping support local agencies and if you want to help the individual make sure they have food, blankets and those sorts of things as opposed to giving money."
PeelConnect celebrate the face of homelessness, Bondy
There is no one path to becoming homeless but often life events like a relationship breaking down, losing a job, mental or physical health problems, or substance misuse can be the trigger.
Bondy, who has been homeless on-and-off since 2011, started sleeping on the streets after he split up with his ex-partner.
Having been on the streets for many years, Bondy had become somewhat of a "unoffical advisor" for other homeless people in Mandurah, according to PeelConnect spokesperson Liz Sheridan.
"Bondy has a heart of gold and he's always the perfect gentleman," she said.
"Due to being a bit older he acts as a bit of an unofficial advisor about what others can do and where they can go to receive support.
"He's helped us connect with those in need and others experiencing homelessness in our community."
Wanting to support those sleeping rough such as Bondy, PeelConnect has launched its Donate a Swag campaign.
"There is not much to keep someone warm and dry on these bitterly cold nights," Ms Sheridan said.
"Please donate a little to help us provide a swag for Bondy and others like him."
To donate go to PeelConnect on Facebook, peelconnect.com.au or drop into the Anglican Community Centre on Leslie Street on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Mandurah woman and her pup's plight for the homeless
A Mandurah woman and her dog are collecting socks to donate to vulnerable people doing it tough over winter.
Now running for over 19 months, the initiative Socks for Cooper has collected over 820 socks for people in need.
Founder of Socks for Cooper, Deb Maybury, said the organisation aimed to help elderly people and the homeless.
"Cooper, my golden retriever, collects new and unworn socks for the homeless, aged and those in need," she said.
"His first collection box is located at Seascapes IGA and Cove Medispa."
She said donations go to local organisations including Halo, Peekaboo Community Support and Peel Connect.
Other collection boxes are located at the Billy Dower Centre and the Mandurah Seniors Centre.
For more information visit, https://www.facebook.com/supercooperthegoldie/ and https://www.instagram.com/socksforcooper/.
Other Mandurah homelessness services you can support
Peel Passages Youth Engagement Hub help to provide marginalised and at-risk youth between 12 and 26 years old with a safe and positive place to access necessary services.
Donations can be made online at www.passages.org.au/ or at the centre, located at 20 Davey Street in Mandurah.
Foodbank Peel works tirelessly to provide meals to the needy in Mandurah. To make a donation to Foodbank WA, visit foodbank.org.au or call 9258 9277. Every $1 will help provide two meals.
Local charity, Halo use the funds received from the sale of second hand goods at its op shop to offer a range of essential services.
Donations can be made at the op shop on 3 Gibson Street or to find out more information visit the Halo Team Facebook page.