WOMEN OVER 55 ARE THE FASTEST GROWING HOMELESS POPULATION IN AUSTRALIA

There are more than 39,000 Queensland women over the age of 55 who are doing it tough - suffering financial hardship driven by rising living costs, lack of employment, limited or no superannuation and a lack of affordable housing options. Alarmingly, recent forecasts predict that this figure is set to double by 2036.

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Women experiencing homelessness are significantly less visible and identifiable than their male counterparts, often being described as the ‘hidden homeless’. Vulnerable older women are more likely to be staying with friends, living in a car or physically ‘hiding’.

A large proportion of this cohort have limited or no prior experience of having to seek assistance and a lack of understanding of the service system.  This, coupled with a generational stigma associated with seeking welfare assistance, often sees them fall through support system cracks.  

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The Forgotten Women is a unique, grassroots housing initiative for homeless women over 55.  The project's mission is to put a roof over the heads of as many of these vulnerable women as possible. Through the acquisition of suitable properties, The Forgotten Women project will ensure these women have access to secure, safe and affordable housing options that enable them to age in place.