New research reveals Australian women in their 50s are at highest risk of becoming homeless

Alarming new research has revealed the group of Australian women who are at the highest risk of facing homelessness.

According to Australian charity StreetSmart, recent data 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.

CEO of StreetSmart, Alan White, told 7NEWS.com.au women’s homelessness is a significant focus area for the charity.

“Particularly given the rise in homelessness driven by domestic and family violence, as well as the growing number of women over the age of 55 experiencing homelessness,” White said.

“It’s one of the fastest-growing cohorts of people at risk, and an issue that deserves greater attention.”

StreetSmart works to mobilise funding and then puts the money raised towards areas that have been 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.”

The charity is tackling the growing issue and revealed women continue to face unique and often overlooked pathways into homelessness.

White said for this group of women, family and domestic violence remains a leading cause.

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 fall victim because this particular generation often don’t have significant superannuation, they haven’t had equal pay for a period of time and don’t have the networks or systems available to them.

“Often the organisations they’ll seek out for are the local community groups, grassroots, neighborhood centres,” White said.

“They are often the front line of response for women.

“That’s not to say that larger organisations don’t do amazing work, they certainly do, but it’s just a different type of response.

“Trust in community is so important for these women.”

The non-profit recently distributed $100,000 in funding to 20 organisations working on the frontline in communities all 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.

Across the country, many of the funded organisations are helping women maintain or secure stable housing before a crisis escalates.

Queensland based women’s support centre WillowTree 37 provides a safe space and new beginning where women in need can grow stronger.

The grant helped the organisation provide emergency supermarket vouchers, fuel assistance, clothing and household essentials, alongside short-term accommodation support for women facing immediate crisis.

Kara Family Violence Service is a not-for-profit organisation proving safety, support and education for people affected by family violence.

It provides high-security crisis accommodation for clients across the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The extra funding is helping women and children escaping violence overcome one of the biggest barriers to long-term housing: the 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 who said the service provided them with a safe space.

“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,” the client said.

“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.” 

Melbourne based charity The Council of Single Mothers and Their Children is using funding to help women address some of the practical costs that can stand between a family and stable housing.

Support may include moving costs, household essentials and assistance with 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.”