Housing and support for older women

Older women are one of the fastest-growing groups of people experiencing homelessness in Australia.

Many face greater financial insecurity due to the high cost of housing, home ownership and reduced incomes. This can result in homelessness, particularly if they need to rely on income support as a single person.

We consulted with community and support organisations, advocacy groups and older women who have been homeless to develop a range of services to help those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Housing and support services

A Housing and support hub in Brisbane, supported by smaller services on the Sunshine Coast and in Mackay, connect older women to housing, homelessness, renting, health and financial support services.

The service supports women aged 50 and over with local and placed-based services, including:

  • a welcoming place in Brisbane to access housing support to prevent them from becoming homeless
  • face-to-face, online and outreach support
  • telephone information and advice
  • community awareness and advocacy
  • information and referrals to other support services.

A state-wide online service is also available for all older women living in Queensland.

For more information on how to contact the housing and support hubs, visit Housing Older Women's Support Services.

Shared living for older women

Better Together Housing, delivered by the Coast2Bay Housing Group, brings likeminded women aged over 55 together in a safe and secure way to find affordable shared housing options on the Sunshine Coast, and in Noosa and Mackay.

To participate, you may:

  • own or rent your home and be looking for another woman to share with
  • be looking for a new place to live with one (or more) other women.

Better Together Housing provides a website, and phone and email contacts, to help you decide whether a shared tenancy is right for you.

They also host ‘get it together’ events where you can meet other women, and get information and advice on shared tenancy arrangements.

To find out more: