David Motta, a Rotarian from the Osborne Park Club, came along to tell us about Rotary’s support of the My Home Project here in Perth. We are all aware of rough sleepers, but they comprise only about 10% of homeless people around Perth. Many such people have been subjected to domestic violence, and they land up sleeping in cars or other unsuitable places. A Government strategy exists, but social housing is woefully under-funded. However, a key component of the policy is the principle of Housing First – i.e. that safe and secure housing should be provided quickly prior to addressing other health and well-being issues. The My Home Project was established in WA by architect Michelle Blakely, and it uses a partnership model which brings together Government, the Church, the private sector and community housing providers (CHP) to join in creating housing for homeless people. The major cost of housing is the land, and if Government provides land at a token rent, the private sector (via ‘big business’) builds the house, and the CHP manages the logistics, then homeless people can have a small (about 31 sq m) but decent roof over their head for the equivalent of about 25% of their personal income. There are various requirements such as the land being close to public transport, and so far 2 sites have been identified; in North Fremantle and Victoria Park. Rotary raises funds locally and uses its connections to furnish the houses, and so there is a good possibility that the Community Shed movement in WA could end up making furniture with donated timber.