"In the past five years, 66 Homeswest houses in Bunbury have disappeared from the public housing stock list and some of what remains is being left vacant waiting to be sold," Mr Castrilli said.

Mr Castrilli said answers to his questions on notice by the Department of Housing and Works also showed 42 Homeswest houses were vacant, some for more than 21 months.

DHW State Manager Regional Housing Services Terry Daly said the actual number of properties had only reduced by 39 since 2002 when the department began a substantial urban renewal program in Carey Park and Withers.

Mr Daly said the department had to strike a balance between the needs of its clients and improving communities where an excessively high presence of public housing had been problematic.

"The Department feels that these benefits outweigh the loss of stock in these areas," he said.

He said the program sees properties refurbished with a number sold to reach a preferred Department ownership of about 11 per cent in each suburb.

"This process has led to a revitalisation of the suburbs, an increase in community regard and a desire now by our clients to live there," he said.

Mr Castrilli said it was almost criminal that housing stocks had diminished when many financially vulnerable people were facing the threat of homelessness.

"I have spoken to pensioners who are literally going hungry and facing the likelihood of life on the streets," he said.

Mr Castrilli called on the Government to immediately multiply its planned housing program and re-tenant vacant houses.

Mr Daly said an extensive building program and other initiatives in the next financial year would raise stock numbers by 99 dwellings to above 2002 levels.

He said the 42 vacant properties are non-lettable due to awaiting demolition or ministerial approval for sale.