More older, single women face homelessness
(Stock image)
More older, single women in Australia are facing homelessness than ever before. Aged in their 50s, 60s and 70s, and living in their cars or any temporary accommodation they can find, these women are an increasingly vulnerable group in need of support.
Upper Blue Mountains Salvation Army Captain Sandra Edge says many of these women have been living in cities in private rentals and their partner has passed away, or there has been separation or divorce.
“Often there is not enough in the way of superannuation and the pension doesn’t fully pay for their rental, let alone any living expenses,” says Captain Edge.
“They drive out of Sydney to areas nearby such as the Blue Mountains, Goulburn or the NSW Central Coast looking for safe, cheap accommodation, but then find increased demand has pushed up housing costs and decreased housing availability.
According to Captain Edge, many have been housewives or mothers and don’t have trades or professional skills they can return to.
“They have exhausted their relatives, their friends. They’re living and travelling around in their cars, almost in shock at the situation they have found themselves in.”
Several recent studies back up Captain Edge’s observation, including a joint report from The Salvation Army Australian Southern Territory and Swinburne University. The report, ‘No home at the end of the road?’ warns single, older women in Australia are increasingly vulnerable to housing insecurity and in danger of homelessness.
Goulburn (NSW) Salvation Army Officer Major Peter Townsend also notes a steady increase in older homeless women presenting to service over the past three years. He says while The Salvation Army is currently able to offer emergency measures, he is in urgent discussions with government and other agencies about increasing emergency accommodation in the area.
“If you can think of someone leaving a relationship with virtually nothing in the way of resources, trying to put together bond and the rent, then furnishings, food and so on – it’s a huge thing,” Major Townsend says.
“What we aim to do, and want to do more, is help them find stability and some light at the end of the tunnel.”
In the Blue Mountains, Captain Edge explains, “If they want to stay within the local area, we will start using all the resources we have available in conjunction with other local
agencies to help stabilise them. We can also report to the local housing authority to try and get them on a priority housing list.”
Sandra says sadly many do not seek help until their situation is desperate as they are “very proud”.
“They all tell stories of having tough times …but they had never, ever approached any type of charity. There often is a sense of shame, but we say to them ‘there’s no shame and we’re here to work with you and help you back on your feet’.”
Comments
Recently I' ve heard two programnes on ABC, one about women suffering homelessness and another about an app developed by the founder of HIREUP, Jordan O'reilly, which links people with disabilities to carers.
It occurred to me that many women with accommodation live alone and may struggle to pay expenses and/or are lonely.
My thought is that perhaps an app could be developed to link these two groups.
As a woman in her early 50's who has worked on a casual basis for the past 15 years, does not own a home and has no family/partner support, I am constantly on the edge of potential homelessness. Although very employable and a loyal employee, my work history has categorised my circumstances as the 'working poor'; reluctantly accepting govt assistance in between temporary contracts. With a lack of affordable, good quality housing available in this beautiful regional city I choose to reside in, I am searching for solutions outside the 'norm'. I would like to see a register formed for elderly sole home owners looking to share their homes with (suitably screened) mature, responsible co-occupants (and their pets). The 'housemate' could provide companionship, security, assist with gardening/housework etc, and ultimately delay the older person being admitted into care. This type of living arrangement would only be a 'win-win' all around, as applying for rentals with a dog is also prohibitive!