Zachary Boxall faces plenty of challenges sleeping rough on the streets of Albany and one of his worries is where he would isolate if he caught COVID-19.
The Great Southern currently has 686 active COVID-19 cases and Mr Boxall, 20, is concerned about the spread of the virus in small communities.
Albany has a men's refuge, but Mr Boxall says it is overcrowded.
"If we get COVID we would love a place to isolate and keep away from people, keep our distance," Mr Boxall said.
"Albany is a small town and it can spread … so quickly, it's just mind blowing."
'Huge issue'
Shelter WA chief executive Michelle Mackenzie said COVID-19 had revealed problems with the housing system.
"I know in regional WA that is a huge issue — that you've got COVID-positive people living in very overcrowded homes," Ms Mackenzie said.
She said while she appreciated the government faced many challenges, it also had time to prepare.
"We are disappointed that we're still planning," Ms Mackenzie said.
"We've had two years to prepare and … we are talking about a community of people who are sleeping rough that have particular needs.
"When we come out of this pandemic the state government, and in particular the federal government, [need] to step up and invest in more social housing and affordable rentals."
The Department of Communities said it was assisting in providing a range of welfare responses, including emergency accommodation for people whose usual accommodation was deemed unsuitable for the purpose of isolation.
