Recent data from Australian charity StreetSmart shows women aged 55 to 59 are one of the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness, while more than a third of single women over 60 are living in poverty.
StreetSmart CEO Alan White told 7NEWS.com.au that women’s homelessness is a significant focus for the charity, particularly given the rise in homelessness driven by domestic and family violence, as well as the growing number of women over 55 experiencing homelessness.
“It’s one of the fastest-growing cohorts of people at risk, and an issue that deserves greater attention,” White said.
How StreetSmart allocates funding
StreetSmart mobilises funding and directs it to areas identified as requiring support. “We look at what the data is telling us about the presences of homelessness, what lots of cohorts are emerging or the percentage of drivers of homelessness,” White said.
“There are over 1200 grassroots, small organisations, that we’ve provided funding to, so we also ask them what they’re seeing on the ground. The last piece of the puzzle is that we try to, where possible, keep funds local to where they’re all raised.”
Why women face unique risks
White said for this group of women, family and domestic violence remains a leading cause of homelessness. Lifelong financial inequality, insecure work, caring responsibilities, and a severe shortage of affordable housing are also leaving more women vulnerable to housing insecurity than ever before.
“Women with children have to make the choice of staying in an unsafe environment, heading out into shelters that aren’t well equipped, sleeping in cars or couch surfing,” White said. “So really, equally unsafe environments.”
Older women often lack significant superannuation, have not had equal pay for a period of time, and lack the networks or systems available to them. “Often the organisations they’ll seek out for are the local community groups, grassroots, neighbourhood centers,” White said. “They are often the front line of response for women. Trust in community is so important for these women.”
Recent funding distribution
The non-profit recently distributed $100,000 in funding to 20 organisations working on the frontline across Australia to help women who are unhoused. Together, they are helping women access safe housing, escape violence, build financial security, and overcome barriers that can push people into homelessness.
Queensland-based WillowTree 37 provides a safe space for women in need. The grant helped the organisation provide emergency supermarket vouchers, fuel assistance, clothing, household essentials, and short-term accommodation support for women facing immediate crisis.
Kara Family Violence Service, a not-for-profit in Melbourne, provides high-security crisis accommodation for clients across the eastern suburbs. The extra funding is helping women and children escaping violence overcome upfront costs associated with securing a private rental when social and public housing options are in short supply.
Kara Family shared feedback from a victim-survivor: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the support, care and guidance you have provided me during one of the most difficult periods of my life. Your compassion, understanding and professionalism have made a meaningful difference, and I am truly thankful for the safe space you created for me to share my experiences without judgement.”
The Council of Single Mothers and Their Children is using funding to help women with moving costs, household essentials, and assistance establishing a new home.
“The outreach that small community organisations will do is really critical,” White said. “But it’s outreach that is all about building relationships, building trust, building community, so that people feel comfortable making that first approach.”
