Older women living on a low, fixed income and relying on the private rental market for housing, are at great risk of homelessness. Researchers from the University of Adelaide estimate that as many as 405,000 women over 45 years are at risk of homelessness in Australia.
Ending and preventing homelessness for older women was the focus of the 2021 Grants to End Homelessness program. Congratulations to the following organisations that were awarded a Grant to End Homelessness:
National Homeless Collective Ltd: Sisters in Safe Housing project will provide repayable loans for bond and rent in advance to older women (45 years and over) and women experiencing chronic homelessness, to help vulnerable women across metropolitan Melbourne secure housing and avoid or escape homelessness.
CatholicCare Wilcannia Forbes: The ‘My time’ project will be delivered in the Forbes Parkes region and will target women 50 years and older who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A support worker will work exclusively with older women, offering a tailored wraparound service, supporting her in addressing her most urgent needs, including housing.
Zonta International and QShelter: This project will deliver innovative financial products to enable women over 45 years to overcome barriers that prevent them from accessing an affordable, appropriate home. Innovative housing options are urgently needed to provide more homes for women facing homelessness in their retirement years.
Baptcare Camberwell: This project will provide housing and support for women who are seeking asylum, aged over 55 years and at risk of homelessness. They will be assisted to gain employment and the skills needed to transition to independence.
Women’s Housing Company: This exciting new initiative will help solve homelessness for women with high and complex needs and prevent them from falling into homelessness in the future.
Cana Communities: Cana’s Life Transformation Program provides mentorship, counselling, vocational training, workplace readiness programs, education and where possible paid employment to assist marginalised men and women who are at risk of homelessness. Grant funding will assist in providing vocational training such as horticulture courses, food safety courses, point of sale training, forklift licence and traffic management. Securing long term accommodation for clients experiencing or at risk of homelessness is a priority.
