AS forecasters flagged Cyclone Narelle sweeping towards Fremantle last month, hundreds of people shut their doors and waited for the storm to pass. 

For people sleeping rough, there was nowhere to go. 

Across Western Australia, more than 2,300 people are sleeping rough, with dozens living in Fremantle under shopfronts, in tents and in makeshift shelters. When severe weather hits, many are left exposed to the cold, rain and wind. 

Fremantle Good Sammy’s store manager Sharmine knows the drill when the weather turns nasty. 

“Hoodies in particular, because they can protect their head in winter,” she said. 

Scarves, beanies, sleeping bags, wet weather gear and even tents quickly fly off the shelves when storms hit. 

Sharmine said demand never really dropped, with the store keeping warm clothing year round for locals and visiting workers. 

But with bad weather comes heat inside the store.

“The week of Cyclone Narelle was probably my worst week of stealing,” she said. 

Sharmine said more people sheltered inside during storms, leading to more theft and antisocial behaviour. She stayed visible on the shop floor to protect staff and customers. 

While charities struggled to keep up with demand, the City of Fremantle said it was also preparing for the next storm. 

Acting CEO Matt Hammond said the City’s Community Safety Team spoke with people sleeping rough before Cyclone Narelle to make sure they knew where to find shelter. 

“Just like the general community, the City has a heightened consciousness of the impact on people experiencing homelessness during severe weather events,” Mr Hammond said. 

The City also provided drinking water during heatwaves and worked with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Department of Communities during emergencies. 

Yet Mr Hammond admitted the bigger problem remained. 

“A shortage of affordable housing and increasing homelessness across the state is a known challenge,” he said. 

by JACQUIN CIMINATA