Did you know that 1 in 6 people experiencing homelessness in Australia are aged over 55 years, and that older women (55+) are adversely affected? With a decline in home ownership at retirement age, unprecedented increases in housing prices and a reduction in social and affordable housing stock in Australia, older people are experiencing significant housing challenges and are at increased risk of homelessness.
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) is the only Australian organisation of its type, specialising in the housing needs of older people. Established over 30 years ago as a grassroots movement, the organisation has developed a service delivery arm in Victoria known as ‘Home at Last’ that provides housing information and support to people over 50. HAAG also has a strong history of activism, with over 600 members across Australia, actively campaigning for housing justice.
To prevent older people from experiencing homelessness, HAAG has trained volunteers that can deliver information sessions to community about the risk factors for homelessness and where older people can go to access support. These information sessions are freely available to public libraries and can be targeted to the unique needs of specific groups, including older women; older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and older people from LGBTIQA+ communities.
‘Loud, Proud and Unhoused’ (illustrated, above) is an example of the kind of sessions that HAAG can deliver in public libraries. These sessions aim to socially connect older LGBTIQA+ people, whilst also providing information about HAAG and housing.
If you would like HAAG to provide a free, 1 hour information session to members of your community, please contact Rebecca Cook, Participation and Early Intervention Worker on: 0449 775 843 or [email protected]
Posted on behalf of Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG).