Homelessness and Outreach Services
Rising financial pressures and the increasing cost of living are placing more people at risk of homelessness. We understand that homelessness is a complex social issue for the community.
While many of the causes of homelessness are outside the control of local government, we are committed to working closely with support services, WA Police, nearby councils, and others across the Perth area to find long-term and practical solutions.
Who should I contact?
The below information aims to clarify who you can contact about homelessness and social issues, and how you can support someone who is homeless or at risk of being homeless including agencies you can refer to.
Should I notify the Town?
Being ‘homeless’ and asking for assistance is not a crime. However, homelessness is complex and often requires the involvement of multiple services and supports.
Please read the information below so that the right type of assistance and support can be provided to you and the person experiencing homelessness.
- For criminal behaviour and illegal activity, please contact the Police on 000.
- For non-urgent cases (those not requiring immediate attendance) please contact Police on 13 14 44
The Town works with local service providers that provide outreach services to people experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in our community. Notifying the Town assists us to provide helpful information to these services and also gives the Town information on the prevalence of homelessness in the local area, which will help inform future initiatives.
To notify the Town, contact the Community Safety Ranger Services team at admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au or call 9339 9339. Please include details such as location, number of people, and any health or safety concerns.
I need to report an issue, who should I contact?
Community safety and crime: This may include antisocial behaviour, trespass on private property, assault or threats, alcohol and drugs, appearance of mental health issues.
Report Child Welfare issues:
Blocking a walkway or thoroughfare:
Please contact the Town by email to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au or by calling 9339 9339.
Waste, cleanliness, smells:
Please contact the Town by email to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au or by calling 9339 9339.
Begging advice
The Town’s main streets can be popular locations for people to beg due to high foot traffic and a generous community. It should be noted that not all people begging are homeless, and not all people experiencing homelessness will beg.
The Town has been advised by local police and community organisations to encourage the community to instead support charities that provide emergency relief and outreach.
This helps to discourage those not seeking money for essential expenses and better supports the community organisations that provide emergency relief and assistance.
Please consider supporting the following organisations:
- The Salvation Army: Their volunteers do a fabulous job in providing emergency assistance, distributing basic essential items, support, referrals, and social contact for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
- RUAH Community Services
- St Vincent de Paul
- Saint Patrick's Community Support Centre: A Fremantle based volunteer organisation that provides outreach care services, emergency assistance, distributing basic essential items, support, referrals, and social contact for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Saint Patrick's also provide parking for attendance by agencies such as the Street Doctors team and mobile clothes washing van.
Emergency Relief and Accommodation
There are several services across the Perth metropolitan area who are working to address and end homelessness. Many of these provide services to people within the Town of East Fremantle.
WAConnect
Developed by Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS), WAConnect contains real time search results of emergency relief services with phone numbers, operating hours, and directions on the services available in your location.
Visit WAConnect
AskIzzy
AskIzzy will help find the services you need, now and nearby. It is free and anonymous. You can search over 450,000 support services to find housing, meals, healthcare, counselling, legal advice, and more.
Visit AskIzzy
Entrypoint Perth
Entrypoint Perth is a free assessment and referral service assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Western Australia to access accommodation and support options.
Phone 6496 0001 or 1800 124 684
Visit Entrypoint Perth
Crisis Care
Crisis Care is a telephone information and counselling service for people in crisis needing urgent help.
St Patrick's Community Support Centre
Since 1972, Saint Patrick’s has worked to help those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless in Fremantle and the wider west metropolitan region of Perth. Saint Patrick's Community Support Centre is located at 12 Queen Victoria Street, Fremantle and can be contacted via phone on 6372 4800.
Saint Patrick’s Community Support Centre operates out of a dedicated building on Queen Victoria Street, providing comprehensive support.
They provide fresh-cooked meals twice daily, Monday to Friday, at their Community Centre.
Fresh fruit, bread and other produce is available daily while a full grocery shop is available on-site once a week, courtesy of their partners at Foodbank.
Visit St Patricks Community Support Centre
Australia Red Cross Soup Patrol Fremantle
Soup Patrol is a mobile food service for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, socially disadvantaged, or on very low incomes. It is a ‘no questions asked’, volunteer-delivered service operating in Perth and Fremantle 7 nights a week, 365 nights a year.Fremantle Service (Monday to Sunday)
6pm - 6.30pm: Beach Street
The service is free!
More information about Soup Patrol