The lives of older people experiencing homelessness, particularly older women, will improve markedly if the NSW Government implements the recommendations handed down today by the Social Issues Committee inquiry into homelessness amongst older people aged over 55.
Two key recommendations are to:
- Fund a specialist older person’s housing information and support service that comprises both an early intervention and crisis response, similar to Victoria’s Home at Last service.
- Build more social and affordable homes that meet the needs of older people.
It’s appropriate that this report is launched in Anti-Poverty Week. Too many older people are living in poverty, at risk of homelessness and for some, homelessness is a traumatic reality. Safe, secure housing is fundamental to good health and wellbeing.
As a member of the Ageing on the Edge NSW group, we look forward to working with the NSW Government in implementing these recommendations.
