The Diocese of Parramatta’s social welfare agency is working with the Older Women’s Network Blue Mountains to address the plight of housing insecurity and homelessness for women aged 55 and over in the region on the outskirts of western Sydney.
The Homes for Older Women Program is now operating from Catholic Care’s community drop-in centre in Springwood, 74km west of Sydney’s CBD. Run by the Older Women’s Network Blue Mountains, it connects women with compassionate homeowners who have a vacant granny flat, house, apartment, or bedroom for rent at an affordable price.
Since the program launched in May last year, it has housed 40 older women in safe and secure accommodation.
Head of Services Brooke McGilvray said the partnership bolsters Catholic Care’s focus on supporting women’s housing, a key focus under its new three-year strategy.
According to the NSW Government, single women over the age of 55 are one of the fastest-growing groups seeking housing help in NSW, due to factors such as domestic violence, separation, death of a spouse or partner, retirement or loss of employment, or sudden illness or injury. The Australian Government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Specialist homelessness services annual report 2023–24, states 53% of older clients supported by homeless services were female.
“Catholic Care’s wrap around service model complements this program, and I can see our Springwood centre becoming over time a safe haven for vulnerable women,” Community Engagement Coordinator Lisa Malcher said.
