Sell-out charity lunch highlights growing community concern amid rising homelessness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Homeless Healthcare’s annual charity lunch has sold out for the third year in a row, reflecting strong community support at a time when demand for homelessness healthcare services continues to grow.
The event will be held on Friday, 1 May at the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, bringing together an influential group of supporters committed to improving health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.
Rising cost-of-living pressures are contributing to a growing and changing cohort of people experiencing homelessness, with more individuals facing barriers to accessing or affording essential healthcare. This includes a rising number of women experiencing homelessness, many for the first time, often after leaving unsafe or unaffordable housing situations.
“Without access to primary healthcare, many people delay treatment until their condition becomes critical,” said Alison Sayer, CEO at Homeless Healthcare.
“We’re increasingly seeing people experiencing homelessness for the first time who simply cannot afford the care they need. Early, accessible healthcare can make a real difference in stabilising health and preventing crisis presentations.”
Homeless Healthcare provides free, low-barrier, non-judgemental, and place-based care across a comprehensive model of support. This includes street outreach, hospital in-reach, mobile clinics, and a 20-bed medical respite facility, as well as residential and longer-term stabilisation services delivered in partnership with UnitingWA through the Together program (supporting mums and babies) and Woodville House. The organisation also operates a fixed-site clinic in Highgate.
These services are designed to meet people where they are, providing coordinated care that supports early intervention, improves health outcomes, and reduces avoidable emergency department presentations.
Funds raised from the event directly support this work, enabling the delivery of essential healthcare to people who often fall through the gaps of the traditional health system.
Last year’s charity lunch raised $75,000, helping sustain and expand these vital services.
The event will feature both silent and live auctions, with generous donations including:
A 3-night stay at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, donated by Hawaiian Group, combined with a tour of Willie Creek Pearl Farm, thanks to Willie Creek Pearls
A tourmaline necklace by Siobhan Way, valued at $6,500
An overnight stay at COMO The Treasury
A pearl and white gold bracelet from Brinkhaus Jewellers
A premium e-bicycle donated by Michelle and Damien Cook
Around 30% of Homeless Healthcare’s clients identify as Aboriginal—significantly overrepresented compared to the broader population—highlighting the ongoing need for culturally safe healthcare and continued efforts to close the gap.
“Access to healthcare is a critical part of addressing homelessness,” Alison said.
“When people’s health stabilises, they are far more likely to maintain housing and rebuild their lives.”
With demand for services continuing to rise, community support remains essential to ensuring Homeless Healthcare can continue delivering care where it is needed most.
ENDS
Media contact:
Alison Sayer
CEO
0403264016
alison.sayer@hhc.org.au