WA Has No Place For Poverty – Social Justice Hive
The Uniting Church WA Social Justice Commission held its third Justice Hive workshop on Saturday 8 August 2026. Taking place during homelessness week (3 – 9 August), the focus topic was ‘WA has no place for poverty’ – a conversation about homelessness, housing insecurity and the cost of living crisis.
The Hive workshop focused on the growing issue of homelessness and poverty throughout the state, bringing together people from across the Uniting Church Western Australia, its agencies, and the wider community to reflect on the issue and share what their congregations and organisations have done to help tackle it.
Rev Dr Elaine Ledgerwood opened the session with devotion, calling on attendees to reflect on how, as followers of Christ, we are called to help the needy;
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Matthew 25:35–36
We reflected on how we care for those less fortunate; as Christians, it is not simply about ticking a box, but about being able to see the face of Christ in all those who suffer injustice.
Participants had the chance to hear from James, who shared his experience of homelessness and how, through the support of Uniting WA, he was able to rebuild his life and get off the streets.
Participants also heard from the Co-CEO of Uniting WA, Michael Chester. Uniting WA provides a vital lifeline for homeless individuals around Perth, especially through Tranby Engagement Hub. He outlined the growing crisis and the unprecedented rise of homelessness throughout Perth; since January 2026, Tranby has seen 735 new people present to the facility, many of whom never expected to be without shelter. In 2025, 95,000 homeless people presented to Tranby, compared to 56,000 in 2022.
Uniting Aid, a caring agency of the Uniting Church based in Nollamara serving people in the City of Stirling, outlined what they are doing to help alleviate the crisis, including support with bills, food delivery, and other important work. It was emphasised that many homeless people seek not only physical shelter, but spiritual comfort in God.
Congregations such as St Martin’s Foothills Uniting Church and Mandurah Uniting Church also shared how they are working to ease the growing financial pressure on community members. Congregations play an important part in providing vital amenities and resources across the community and have successfully drawn on volunteer networks to help.
The next Justice Hive gathering will be on Saturday 10 October 2026 and will focus on the growing issue of climate change. Keep an eye on our Events page for information as it becomes available.
You can read about our March Justice Hive here – Listening for Peace, Confronting Racism.
Article and photos by Timothy Snobar, Social Justice Officer.
