As National Homelessness Week winds up, those working in homelessness non-profits are reminding the public that rough sleeping can happen to anyone, especially in the current economic climate.

WA Alliance to End Homelessness and former rough sleeper Allan “Big Al” Connolly told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings his life story is proof of the universal effects of homelessness.

Press PLAY to hear more about rough sleeping stories during National Homelessness week

“You hear people talk about how they may be one- two or three paychecks away from homelessness. Well, it happens, and it happens more regularly than you think,” Mr Connolly said.

“We were living at the top of a cul-de-sac, and we weren’t planning on health challenges and then all of a sudden, my wife was diagnosed with cancer and given three months to live.”