Among the homeless population, women are especially vulnerable. They are at very high risk of experiencing verbal, physical and sexual abuse. The challenges of living on the street can be exacerbated by the fact that this is a very male-dominated environment. In the words of a woman who was homeless for approximately four years, ‘most of the services become men-oriented because there are so many men on the street’. Women (especially vulnerable women) often feel more comfortable to access assistance and ‘open up’ in a female-only environment.

Currently, there is only one other drop-in centre in the Perth city area, a place where anti-social behaviour is often exhibited. In addition, one Indigenous woman has shown distress at having to eat in mixed company, which is not done in her culture. There is a need for a women’s only space where women living on the street can feel safe and cared for, and which focuses on meeting their particular needs.

The Lifehouse is a collaborative project between the Right to Life Association of WA and Holy Spirit Choir and Street Ministry.