MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release: December 2023

RESEARCH REPORT RELEASED WITH SOLUTIONS TO PREVENT OLDER WOMEN’S HOMELESSNESS

The Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA) has completed a 12-month research project on Preventing Homelessness among Older Women and today released a report, which outlines key findings and local solutions.

The project has been delivered by the EAHA councils including Knox City Council (project lead) and is supported by $180,000 in funding from the Victorian Government’s Metropolitan Partnerships Development Fund.

Knox City Council Mayor, Cr Jude Dwight said: “The research on preventing homelessness among older women is a vital piece of work. The report provides valuable data and insights on the local impact, those most at risk and what we can do to address this issue.”

“Single women over 55 are the fastest growing group of people experiencing homelessness in the eastern metropolitan region - and across Australia.”

“The research identified a number of solutions with key recommendations around: using underutilised homes and buildings; and including affordable housing in retirement villages and independent living units.”

Lead Researcher, Dr Kate Raynor from Umwelt Consultants, said: “The research involved 120 people who participated in interviews, surveys and focus groups. We spoke with women in the region who have experienced homelessness as well as service providers to gain insights and find local, practical solutions.”

“The research explored factors contributing to women’s homelessness in the region and identified service gaps and key stages of early intervention to prevent homelessness. The final report provides meaningful data and recommendations that will inform all levels of government.”

The research report outlines two key solutions:

1. Using Underutilised Homes and Buildings

Approximately 64,000 properties are left vacant in Victoria each year; enough to house over 185,000 people (Prosper Australia, 2019). A total of 75% of Australians aged over 65 have a spare bedroom (James et al. 2020).

• Recommendations include: Advocating for funding to support a home sharing pilot project; exploring the possibility of granny flats for non-dependent residents; supporting building owners to provide temporary crisis accommodation; and collaborating with State Government to establish a housing portal to generate ideas and solutions.

2. Affordable housing in Retirement Villages and Independent Living Units

There are 476 retirement villages in Victoria. There are opportunities to encourage not-for-profit retirement village models and to encourage for-profit organisations to include affordable options.

• Recommendations include: Identifying existing council-owned land or buildings with the capacity to host affordable retirement village-style housing for older women, partnering with a not-for-profit housing provider and applying for State Government funding; negotiating for affordable retirement homes within retirement villages at the planning application stage; and identifying where existing ageing retirement villages may become available for affordable independent living units.

Cr Dwight said: “Council has an important role in advocating for affordable housing and services for older women at risk of homelessness in Melbourne’s Eastern Metropolitan Region and will continue to actively work in partnership with easter region councils, the community, service providers, organisations and government to be part of the solution.”

Cr Dwight said: “We would like to thank the many individuals and organisations that participated in the research for their valued contributions and incredible commitment to the project.”

The Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA) represents eastern local government areas including: Knox City Council, Manningham City Council, Maroondah City Council, Monash City Council, Yarra Ranges Shire Council and Whitehorse City Council.

More information

To read the report, visit the EAHA website: https://eaha.org.au/phow-research-project