Collecting the Essentials campaign launches during Homelessness Week to support West Australians doing it tough

In a powerful show of community action, The Essentials Collective is launching its annual Collecting the Essentials campaign today, coinciding with the start of Homelessness Week 2025 (4–10 August) and continuing through to World Homelessness Day on 10 October.

With over 30 collection points across Perth, the campaign invites individuals, schools, businesses and community groups to donate essential personal care and hygiene items for people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage.

The Essentials Collective, a grassroots charity has spent more than a decade delivering basic dignity essentials to West Australians in crisis. The organisation distributes donated toiletries and hygiene products to frontline relief agencies across Perth and regional WA.

Chairperson Sonia Faccin Nolan said launching the Collecting the Essentials campaign during Homelessness Week, whose 2025 theme is Homelessness Action Now, is a timely opportunity to turn community compassion into tangible support.

“When someone is sleeping rough or experiencing deep crisis, having access to essentials like body wash, deodorant, toothpaste or period care is not just about hygiene, it’s about dignity, confidence and connection to community,” Ms Nolan said.

“The generosity of Perth people keeps our work going. Every item collected tells someone in need: you’re not forgotten.”

The charity is calling on the public to add a few extra items to their shopping trolley and drop them off at one of the many community-hosted donation points. A full list of drop-off locations is available at www.theessentialscollective.org/collecting-the-essentials.

Items most needed include:

·       Shampoo and conditioner

·       Deodorant

·       Toothpaste and toothbrushes

·       Body wash and face washers

·       Sanitary pads and tampons

·       Shaving cream and razors

One frontline partner, Peel Community Kitchen, recently received a large batch of men’s toiletries and said the impact of the campaign is deeply felt.

“I cannot thank you enough for all the items you supplied to us,” said spokesperson, Sharon Poole.  “The response so far has been quite amazing, as these men have never received any products at all in the four years I’ve been at the Kitchen.”