By Sonia Isaacs
AN increase in the number of older women needing housing support across the Blackall Ranges has prompted community groups to band together and help offer assistance.
Maleny Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator, Madonna Hampson, said in recent months the centre had noticed an influx of people requiring housing support; with the impact on older woman in the community particularly apparent.
She said as part of taking proactive steps to help alleviate the growing issue, MNC was collaborating with Coast2Bay Housing for a ‘Better Together Housing’ information afternoon on April 9.
“The reality is that homelessness can happen to anyone. The lack of affordable housing coupled with limited job opportunities, and inadequate superannuation, can leave many women vulnerable to homelessness. Every person deserves a safe and stable place to call home. It is our responsibility as a community to work towards making that a reality for everyone,” Madonna said.
Coast2Bay Community Development Manager, Donna Bowe, said the program is “designed by women over 55 to meet the needs of independent women.”
“It is tailored to bring older women together in a safe and secure way to find shared accommodation and it focuses on building a shared housing community, facilitating shared living for women over 55.”
Participants in the community-led program can be women who own or rent their home but are interested in finding a woman to share with, or women who are looking for a new place to live with one (or more) other woman, or women who want to find out more. The session will be held at MNC on April 9 from 2pm-3.30pm. RSVP for info@bettertogetherhousing.com.au
