The ‘incredibly important cause’ turning the tide for Australian women facing homelessness

Alarmingly, women over the age of 55 are currently the fastest-rising demographic of homelessness in Australia. Over 39,000 women over the age of 55 are at risk of homelessness, with this figure set to double by 2036.

The current cost of living crisis, combined with the ongoing housing crisis, has left over 40,000 Queensland women aged 55 and older facing financial hardship. Contributing factors include rising living costs, lack of employment, inadequate or nonexistent superannuation, and a shortage of affordable housing options.

Fortunately, The Forgotten Women project is making strides to address this issue by raising funds for additional housing through The Live Like Her Challenge. This initiative encourages participants to spend one night in their car, with the proceeds supporting efforts to provide stable housing for women over 55.

Among those raising crucial funds is Sarah Whyte from Brisbane Airport Corporation, who decided to participate after reflecting on the distressing reality of lacking a safe and secure home.

“I’m incredibly grateful not to be in this situation personally, but some in my family have come close to this and I understand how easily and quickly life can change,” Whyte said.

“The sad reality that women over 55 are the fastest growing homeless population should be a concern for everyone. Hearing some of the stories that women faced to be placed in this situation are harrowing, yet so relatable, it is a stark reminder of just how lucky many of us are, to not be in a similar situation.”

It’s Whyte’s second year taking part in the challenge, her motivation stemming from the “opportunity to continue to support and contribute to this cause”.

“Taking one night out to sleep in my car feels like is such a small thing in the scheme of things, but in doing this we’re making a difference,” she explained.

While the event will go a long way in raising some much-needed funds for women experiencing homelessness, Whyte is looking forward to the opportunity “to spend time with an incredible bunch of like-minded people, who are also doing what they can to raise funds for this incredibly important cause”.

“Also the opportunity to hear from the founders, and some of the women that have now got the security of permanent accommodation as a result of event just like this one,” she added.

The Forgotten Women CEO, Teresa Reed explained that “the purpose of the Live Like Her Challenge is to mobilise resources to create safe, affordable, and fit-for-purpose housing for women over the age of 55” while stressing the importance of every contribution in helping achieve this goal.

“Our goal is to ensure that these women, who are often vulnerable to financial insecurity and housing instability, have access to homes that meet their specific needs as they age,” Reed said.

“By raising as much money as possible, we aim to provide not just shelter, but a place where these women can live with dignity, security, and peace of mind, knowing they have a stable foundation for their future.

“Every contribution will help us build a community where older women are respected, valued, and supported in their later years.”

Reed explained that the funds raised will be used “in the following ways”:

• Acquire land and/or property to ensure these vulnerable women can stay within their support networks, avoiding the need to relocate to more affordable areas far from their communities.
• Buy, build, renovate and refurbish to create suitable housing that allows for ageing in place thereby preventing the need for early entry into the aged care system
• Headleasing properties on behalf of older women ensuring their rent will never exceed 30% of their total income regardless of marketplace rates. This guarantees affordable housing for life, allowing these vulnerable older women
  to age peacefully in place.