With women aged 55-plus are the fastest growing group of homeless people, the State Government is forming a taskforce to investigate the housing needs of – and responses to – this group.
Human Services Minister Nat Cook has announced Dr Alice Clark from Shelter SA as chair of the Older Women’s Housing Taskforce.
Shelter SA Alice Clark said, “The taskforce is an important step forward in improving housing security for older women and the focus on action and implementation is welcomed.
“I am delighted to be invited to contribute to Taskforce with many of my colleagues and peers from a range of sectors. We have a breadth and depth of experience and knowledge, which will be greatly enhanced by women with lived experience.
“We know there are pressures on social housing, private rental and home ownership across the board. These are magnified when a woman has limited income and lives on their own. We need to look at responses across the housing market to make a difference for this group,” Clark continued.
Other members include sector representatives from health, universities, ageing, domestic and family violence, local government, housing and homelessness, as well as community services.
The Minister will ask the group to engage with key partners and service providers to identify key service gaps and opportunities to improve housing security for older women.
The Taskforce will be guided by women with lived experience, ensuring a diverse range of backgrounds, expertise and community representation.
Minister for Human Services Nat Cook said “Labor recognised the housing crisis before the election and we made commitments including an extra $177.5 million for public housing, more support for homelessness services and establishing this Taskforce to focus on older women’s housing. We are delivering on all of these promises.
“Women aged 55 and over are the fastest growing group amongst homeless people. They are particularly at risk of housing insecurity due to the gender pay gap, limited superannuation, caring responsibilities and family violence.
“I cannot accept that high numbers of women in our community live with the threat of homelessness. This Taskforce has a critical job ahead of it. The mix of lived experience, expertise and sector experience at the table will provide key insights and identify opportunities to make real differences for older women who worry about their housing future,” Cook continued.
Its work will also support the housing related priorities outlined in South Australia’s Plan for Ageing Well 2020-2025.
The taskforce will be guided by three key themes:
- Accessible supports that make existing homes more flexible to people’s changing needs so people can stay in their own homes for longer.
- Models and options for creating homes that suit a greater diversity of needs.
- Affordable and accessible homes including new models for home ownership and financing.
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