New Housing Initiative Offers Hope for Older Women

In a groundbreaking move to address the growing homelessness crisis among older women, the Older Women’s Network (OWN) in the Blue Mountains has launched the Homes for Older Women (HOW) initiative. This program matches homeowners with spare rooms or granny flats to women seeking affordable accommodation and is set to expand into the Hawkesbury region following an offer from a Kurrajong property owner.

In May, the Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, and Member for the Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle, officially launched the program. Already, more than 110 prospective tenants and property owners have expressed interest.

The Hawkesbury Post spoke with Bronwen Johnston of the Blue Mountains branch of OWN to learn about the HOW program. “The Housing Program is an initiative of the Blue Mountains chapter of OWN,” explains Bronwen. She emphasised the cost-effectiveness of using existing properties over building new ones. “We have so many properties, granny flats, and rooms available here. This is a faster solution and much more cost-effective.”

Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman added: “The Albanese Government is investing $32 billion to tackle housing shortages. But increasing supply doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why I support this program, because it can, overnight, provide a roof over the head of an older woman.”

Templeman noted the urgency of the issue: “Women over 55 are the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness, due to rising rents, domestic violence, and cost of living, combined with lower savings and superannuation.”

Bronwen also highlighted the vulnerability of older women: “The Mercy Foundation estimates there are 7000 homeless women nationally at any one time, rising at an alarming rate, especially in the over-55 category.”

The Homes for Older Women initiative connects women in need with homeowners who have space to spare. Funded by a $60,000 grant from The Mercy Foundation, the program has enabled a small team to set it up, including a website for home owners and women in need to lodge expressions of interest.

“Our program plans to place 20 to 30 women in homes this year,” Johnston states. “We think that’s a pretty good return on investment, considering the program’s current cost of $70,000 to $80,000 to run.”

Although the initiative is not officially launched in the Hawkesbury, it’s gaining traction. A homeowner in Kurrajong has expressed interest, indicating potential expansion in the region. According to the Hawkesbury Demographics Study, there is a similar need for affordable accommodation for older women in the Hawkesbury.

Bronwen explained that OWN isn’t yet able to take expressions of interest from Hawkesbury women who need accommodation but welcomes interest from property owners. “If anyone in the Hawkesbury has pet-friendly self-contained cottages or granny flats they can rent, we would love to hear from them.”

The success of this initiative relies heavily on community involvement. Homeowners with spare rooms, granny flats, or self-contained units are encouraged to consider opening their doors to women in need.

Interested property owners can register on the OWN website. For those inspired to do more, there’s an opportunity to establish an Older Women’s Network branch in Hawkesbury. Interested women can contact the NSW head office to express their interest. 

Susan Templeman confirmed her support for the program, saying: “I’ll continue to encourage people who have secure and unused homes or rooms to consider becoming involved in the HOW project.”

For more information or to get involved, visit the Older Women’s Network NSW website or call their office at 9519 8044 or info@ownnsw.org.au.