The recent announcements from the two major parties have focused on access to housing for younger people. It is disappointing that women over 55 years, who are the fastest growing group to experience homelessness, have been left behind.
More than 75% of single older women living in private rental are living in poverty. Each day, women are making tough choices between food, medication, transport and paying rent. Decades of poor policy, persistent structural barriers and pervasive ageism has significantly increased their risk of homelessness.
What is desperately needed is more investment in social housing that supports the needs of all people, including older women, and urgent attention to address immediate needs.
Yumi Lee, CEO of the Older Women’s Network of NSW, recently spoke about the need on ABC radio.
