Older women are finding it increasingly difficult to access affordable housing in the Blue Mountains’ private rental market.
An extra layer of hardship has been added with the cost of living and rental affordability crises.
Research shows older women are at greater risk of housing insecurity due to factors including relationship separation, death of a partner, and retirement. Women often have significantly lower superannuation balances and savings than men.
Some older women, including those on fulltime incomes, are forced to move out of rental accommodation when prices increase, or cost-of-living pressures become too much.
Others are couch surfing with family and friends or living in precarious situations.
Homes for Older Women (HOW) is a not-for-profit program supporting women aged 55+ facing housing insecurity and homelessness.
Run by Older Women’s Network (OWN) Blue Mountains, they connect women with compassionate homeowners offering secure and stable rental accommodation – granny flats, studios, houses, apartments and spare bedrooms.