Lynne enjoys her solitude at home. (Photo: Julie Nance)
Story by Julie Nance
The Homes for Older Women (HOW) program is a successful community-based solution to the national housing crisis. Since launching in May last year, the Blue Mountains not-for-profit has secured accommodation for 47 older women facing housing insecurity and homelessness.
Writer Julie Nance helped set up the program as a volunteer and recently finished a challenging but rewarding year as Program Manager. She shares the experiences of women involved with, and impacted by, the grass-roots initiative.
Key Points:
Research shows older women are now the fastest-growing group to experience homelessness in Australia. 66% of homeless people in the Blue Mountains in 2021-22 were women. This is higher than the national figure.
Older women are at greater risk of housing insecurity due to factors including relationship separation, death of a partner and retirement. Women often have significantly lower superannuation balances and savings than men.
The Homes for Older Women program collaborates with local homeowners, volunteers, community organisations, businesses and three levels of government to help combat the housing crisis.
As Lynne sits crocheting on her back deck overlooking the bush, memories of loss and homelessness don’t bite as powerfully as they used to.
The 72-year-old once ran a successful small business in the mid-Mountains and is a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. After Lynne’s partner of 18 years passed away, her life took a series of negative turns.
She was given notice to leave her rental property and struggled to secure accommodation on one income. After couch surfing with family for a few months, she suffered a mini stroke.
“It was traumatic losing my partner – we had a lot of plans,” Lynne says. “I was homeless, unwell and very stressed about the future.”
The HOW program connects women aged 55+ facing housing insecurity and homelessness with compassionate homeowners who have vacant rental accommodation – granny flats, studios, houses, apartments or spare bedrooms. Run by Older Women’s Network (OWN) Blue Mountains, the free service is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers including those fielding calls and emails daily from distraught older women needing help.
Many, like Lynne, have brought up families and had successful careers. A high percentage of home seekers are on aged or disability pensions but some are still working full-time or part-time. They simply can’t afford the ridiculously high rents or compete against rental applicants with double incomes.
It was confronting to face the reality that in our beautiful Blue Mountains community my own peers – women in their 50s and alarmingly as old as 80 – are sleeping in their cars or vans, couch surfing or pet sitting, often for years. Some have escaped domestic violence or are facing mental or physical health challenges, exacerbated by their living conditions.
Despite the stories of hardship and despair, there was a strong undercurrent of resilience and courage. One of the biggest rewards was seeing the transformation in women once they had secured a home.
For Lynne, moving into a two-bedroom, furnished granny flat in the upper Mountains allowed her to regain her independence and enjoy her hobbies again.
“HOW has given me an anchor and the security I need,” Lynne says. “It was the answer to my prayers. My landlord is the best I’ve ever had.”
After couch surfing, Lynne enjoys her own kitchen. (Photo: Julie Nance)
The origins of HOW
In early 2023 Bronwen Johnston, a member (now Chair) of OWN Blue Mountains, came up with the idea to utilise existing accommodation to support older women facing housing insecurity. The concept was embraced by the local membership and OWN NSW. Bronwen formed a volunteer team with fellow members Heather Shepherd and Kerry Chater. Vent Thomas, a local IT expert, joined the team and after Kerry left her position, I was invited to come on board.
We worked hard for many months to get ready for launch. In March last year I secured the role of Program Manager, with a Mercy Foundation grant funding two days of my full-time workload. The dedicated volunteer team continued to grow.
I was saddened to spot a handwritten note pinned on a noticeboard outside a lower Mountains supermarket from a 90-year-old seeking accommodation. We knew we wouldn’t be short of vulnerable older women requiring our services, but we had no idea if homeowners would come to the party once we launched our expression of interest process in late May.
The note that made my heart sink. (Photo: Julie Nance)
We needn’t have worried. The response from the community was swift and overwhelming. Within 10 months the program had housed 47 women in a wide range of accommodation including studios, granny flats and share houses. We even found a property for a tiny home!
HOW has attracted a growing number of supporters in addition to OWN NSW including Scenic World, ActiveCampaign, Catholic Care, Blue Mountains Computers and Bendigo Bank. In December last year Homes NSW (Homelessness Innovation Fund) became a program partner which boosted resources and allowed the employment of part-time Program Officer Michelle.
Fundraising and donations are still required to address the high volume of women needing accommodation and wrap-around support. The number of women on the books often swells to more than 70, with a constant shortage of self-contained accommodation.
HOW volunteer Sandy Croker, a social worker, was one of the first volunteers to come on board, donating one day per week to support intake calls from home seekers and homeowners.
“I love the uniqueness of the program, the women’s stories and how the program reaches out to the community,” Sandy says. “Homelessness affects everybody.”
Former HOW Program Manager Julie (in white) with intake volunteers (L-R) Coralie, Sandy, Carol, Program Officer Michelle and Kathryn. (Photo supplied)
Collaborating with the experts
From its inception, HOW has gained valuable support from an Advisory Committee including representatives from Blue Mountains Health and Resource Centre (BMHRC), Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC), Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN), Link Wentworth and Zonta Club Blue Mountains.
Kris Newton, MCRN Executive Officer, says HOW demonstrates the strength of place-based, locally-run initiatives that are “agile, flexible and able to act swiftly”. She says they are not tied down by layers of bureaucracy, they know their local ‘patch’ and they are able to harness local community goodwill.
“HOW offers a template for how a community can craft effective local solutions, utilising local knowledge and local partnerships to deal with local issues,” Kris says.
Homeowners participating in the program gain a financial return for renting out accommodation and also have the satisfaction of making a significant difference in the lives of older women.
Wendy Truelove spotted a HOW Facebook post soon after purchasing an investment property in Lithgow. The founder of Red Dot Animal Programs – a rehoming, education and desexing charity – was acutely aware of the challenge of finding pet-friendly rentals.
When HOW put forward a woman with an elderly dog, two cats and a bird, Wendy didn’t hesitate to consider her application and offered her the long-term rental.
“I am often contacted by people facing the heartbreaking decision of surrendering their pets to be able to secure a rental home,” Wendy says. “Renting my property with HOW means an older woman and her animals can stay together.”
Wendy, a HOW home provider and program supporter. (Photo supplied)
Red Dot has recently come on board as a HOW supporter, providing donations of pet food and other products.
“In a single income household, after paying rent, utilities and groceries there is often little left over,” Wendy says.
Saying goodbye
Late last month (March) I had to walk away from a program I’m passionate about so I could focus on my health. I learned so much from the women we supported and all the wonderful people offering help. This includes the importance of a stable home, connecting to community, self-care and hope.
I received an email before I left which reinforced the importance of HOW:
“I want to thank you and everyone working in this program so much for giving me hope at a very dark time. Having people who listened to me with compassion and understanding meant more than I can tell you, and I hope you know how much what you do matters.”
Take Action:
If you have a vacant studio, granny flat, home, apartment or spare bedroom, get in touch with new HOW Program Manager Katherine Starr for an obligation-free chat: 0493 965 190; [email protected]; or visit how.ownnsw.org.au
Thanks to everyone who contributed to deliver a fantastic Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and Family Day yesterday. @mark_greenhill_mayor opened the event at which we celebrated the 13th birthday of Betty the Asbestos Education House; @firecoat_au demonstrated and launched its range of fire retardant products that can help protect homes, gardens and even electricity poles; the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit was launched; Santa arrived and delighted young and old; and @plantinspired99 and Action for Animals fed us all with a delicious plant-based sausage sizzle. The day was filled with talks, workshops, stalls and the sharing of a huge amount of expertise to keep us, and the other species we share our planet with, safe and healthy! @southkatoomba.rfb @nswses @fireandrescuensw @nswrfs @redcrossleura @redcrossau @shelter.building.design @firehalo.au @asbestosawareness @amelie_ecology @bbagsbluemtns @wireswildliferescue @handsheartfeet
Our marquee is up and we`re excited about our Expo and Family Day tomorrow (Sat 22 Nov). There`s something for everyone from a free sausage sizzle, plants from Santa and drumming and pollinator workshops, to sessions on keeping you and our community safe from extreme weather events and hazardous substances like mould and asbestos. Learn how intumescent paints can slow the spread of fire and pick up a sample pot; check out all our emergency service organisations; learn how to dispose of hazardous materials; paint a native orchid, make some seed balls or sew a boomerang bag to give as plastic-free Christmas presents this year; enjoy coffee and locally made sweets; and get tips on how to retrofit your home safely and beautifully to be prepared for future extreme weather events. View the full program and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many new and innovative ways of doing things, like the new cooking techniques being explored by Michael from Good Fat Pastry, and the new fire protection methods being launched at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Check out Michael’s recent presentation at the Food Security Fair in our video here: https://bit.ly/4pnXbIg (link in profile) and come along to taste his delicious carrot cake and pastries at the Expo on Saturday. Check out the program and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
In 2006 Peter Joseph’s son Michael suicided after a 14-year episodic battle with mental illness. Peter is now the Chair of the Black Dog Institute which is working to achieve better outcomes for all those struggling with mental health issues. Journalist Emma Rossi will engage Peter in an intimate and moving conversation about a life of purpose and mental health advocacy. As a Rotary scholar Peter will also reflect on how Rotary helped shape his values and sense of purpose as a young man - and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. This free event is being hosted by the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative on Saturday 29 November from 2-4pm at the Planetary Health Centre at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Learn about intumescent fire retardant paint and a range of other strategies to prepare for extreme weather events, and to manage hazardous materials, at the upcoming Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre on Sat 22 Nov. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J We checked out how intumescent paint works in this video.
When temperatures reach a certain point the intumescent paint begins to swell and expand, often up to 50 times its original thickness. It forms a thick, carbonaceous "char" that acts as an insulating barrier. This layer slows the rate at which heat reaches the structural elements and buys valuable time for people to safely exit a building during a fire. It makes the structure safer for firefighters and rescue teams. #intumescentpaint #fireretardant #bushfire @firecoat_au...
Mould, lead paint, asbestos, silica dust from engineered stone bench tops and a wide range of chemicals, are amongst some of the many hazardous substances entering our environment and negatively impacting our health. Asbestos is found in over 3000 products including textured paints, moulded garden pots, brake pads and clutch linings in older cars, floor and ceiling tiles, lino, fibro, roofing, pipes and gutters, hot water systems, backing for switchboards and insulation boards in air-conditioning ducts, insulation, sealants, fillers, caulking and adhesives, gaskets for industrial and lab equipment and more. We’ll have information to take away and Blue Mountains City Council and the Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association (AHCA) will be running free workshops on how to identify and manage these hazardous substances at the Planetary Health Centre`s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. Find out more and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Are you ready for the next bushfire, heatwave or flood? Why not take steps to prepare at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Award-winning Hempcrete designer Kirstie Wulf from @shelter.building.design will share 10 steps to build or renovate for sustainability and resilience; engineer Mark Liebman will share how you can build a green roof to reduce stormwater runoff and cool your building; Dr Agnieszka Wujeska-Klause will share research results on the most appropriate actions to lower heat in summer and help you use a thermal imaging camera to identify which surfaces retain the most heat; Frank Inzitari will introduce you to the @firehalo.au which can help reduce ember attack; and a team from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will work with you to use the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit to design your own personal bushfire plan. We`ll also be launching Firecoat`s new Bushfire Home Protection Kit. Learn more and register to attend here: https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many extraordinary volunteers keeping us and wildlife safe all year round! Come along and meet them at the Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 22nd Nov. Learn what you can do to be ready for emergencies, and how you can volunteer or help in some other way. Together we can be more prepared and reduce the risk of disaster. There`ll be a free sausage sizzle so help give us an idea of numbers by registering here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Thank you Blue Mountains community for the generous donation of 11 sewing machines which we`ll be using for our free sewing workshop with Boomerang Bags at the Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 November at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. It`s an opportunity for the whole family to make free Christmas presents that `don`t cost the earth`! Register here if you`d like to attend (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J (and you`ll get a free fire retardant plant from Santa while you`re there!)
Did you know that Australia has the world`s highest incidence of asbestos-related diseases per capita in the world, killing more than 4,000 Australians every year - three times more than the annual road toll; and that asbestos-related deaths are predicted to rise! Asbestos isn’t just in fibro homes and sheds - it was used in the manufacture of more than 3000 asbestos containing products with many of these products remaining in any brick, fibro, weatherboard, clad home or apartment built or renovated before 1990. Asbestos was used everywhere in homes - lurking under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, home extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even in dog kennels. Exposure to asbestos fibres during home renovations has been linked to 51% of mesothelioma deaths. There is no cure for mesothelioma. The average survival time following diagnosis is just 10-12 months. Homeowners, renovators and tradies are most at risk of exposure if they disturb asbestos containing materials. On Saturday 22 November, “Betty – The Asbestos Education House” will be a prominent feature of the Blue Mountains City Council’s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo to help educate local homeowners and tradies about the dangers of asbestos that remains lurking in 1-in-3 Aussie homes including many throughout the Blue Mountains region as part of National Asbestos Awareness Month (November). There will also be workshops and stalls on asbestos and a range of other hazardous materials and how you can manage them to protect youreself, your family and your community. Find out more and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Emily from @handsheartfeet will be leading a free drumming workshop at the Planetary Health Centre Expo and Family Day in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. It`s suitable for all ages and so much fun! Places are limited so reserve your spot here: https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J (link in profile)
The Planetary Health newsletter is now out! Read it here: https://bit.ly/4o1FflK (link in profile)
It includes: • Expo and Family Day on Nov 22 • A Story of Purpose & Mental Health with Rotarian Peter Joseph AM from the Black Dog Institute on Nov 29 • How to Use a Sewing Machine Workshop on Nov 29 • Qigong, Upper Mountains Seed Saving & Gardening Group and Planetary Health Bushcare on Dec 6 • Legalising human composting as a sustainable death care option in NSW • The Climate Risk and Adaptation Plan for the Blue Mountains
Julie Nance is a community storyteller with the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. In her coverage of the Lower Mountains area, she brings 30 years’ experience in communications, publishing and journalism.
After specialising in health and social issues as a journalist, Julie led creative teams in the government and not-for-profit sectors including the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, YMCA NSW, Cancer Council NSW and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Julie is passionate about empowering people with quality information to help them make informed choices.
As global food insecurity increases, research suggests that the ‘planetary health diet’ is one solution. This calls for a shift towards a plant-based diet and more local food production. Local social enterprise Farm it Forward is showing how this can be done in school yards and one backyard after another.
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