How Local Leaders in Rockingham Are Teaming Up to Fight Homelessness
Faith City Church and the Salvation Army have launched a massive, unified network to support vulnerable residents and isolated youth this winter.
By Wade McColl (29/06/2026)
Inside the new Faith City Church Rockingham. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
Breaking Down the Walls
Last week on Friday, June 19th, Faith City Church officially opened its doors in Rockingham, but this was far from a traditional launch. Co-locating and sharing a building with the Salvation Army, the event saw over 60 pastors and ministers from across the city gather with a singular goal: to tackle homelessness, youth isolation, and community hardship as a unified front.
Lead Pastor Mark Sena explained to the Baldivis Times the urgency of the mission before the doors opened. "I feel the need of Rockingham is greater than one church and if churches can work together we will have a greater output," Pastor Mark shared. He emphasized the harsh reality of the current season, noting that the community needs to band together and wrap around vulnerable populations, especially the homeless, during the freezing winter months.
Mayor Lorna Buchan, Pastor Mark Sena inside Faith City Church Rockingham. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
Completing, Not Competing
The strategy behind this new initiative is built entirely on collaboration rather than duplication. "We're not competing with each other, we gotta complete each other," Pastor Mark told the Baldivis Times. This means if one local organization excels at creating food hampers, the broader unified network will funnel supplies directly to them, leveraging each group's unique strengths to maximize their impact.
Mayor Lorna Buchan listening to Pastor Mark on stage. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
A Mayor's Call for Connection
City of Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan was also in attendance, highlighting the critical need for this type of collaborative outreach. During a sit-down conversation on stage, Mayor Buchan identified her top priorities for the city: supporting vulnerable people, addressing the rising challenges of mental health, and combating a growing epidemic of isolation.
Mayor Buchan noted that 40 percent of people in the community identify as being lonely.
She stressed that the longer a person experiences loneliness, the more severely it impacts their overall health.
She praised the church network for creating a welcoming space without judgment, where residents can find connection, inclusion, and a sense of safety.
Outside the front entrance to Salvation Army x Faith City Church Rockingham. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
Feeding the Next Generation
Beyond adult homelessness and isolation, the partnership is tackling youth struggles head-on. Faith City is hosting Friday night services, specifically designed to offer young locals a safe alternative to drinking or clubbing.
Furthermore, they are working directly with local school chaplains after hearing stories of children arriving at class without having eaten. By implementing programs like Breakfast Club, they aim to ensure students have food in their stomachs so they can focus on their education.
"The chaplains fill the heart, we will fill the belly... so that the teachers can fill the mind," Pastor Mark told the Baldivis Times.
Praise and Worship Band Members at Faith City Church Rockingham. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
An Open Door
The Willmott Drive venue itself is designed to be a hub of hospitality. Inside, the team operates a massive, four-station commercial coffee machine offering free, barista-quality coffee to anyone who walks through the doors. It is a small but practical touch designed to make everyone feel valued.
For those in the southwest who are currently feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or left behind by society, Pastor Mark offered a direct message of reassurance.
"They need to speak and we need to listen and we need to serve you wherever you're at," he said.