Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce

Housing Choices SA resident Sandra has spent the last 6 months drawing on her lived experience of homelessness as a member of the South Australian government’s Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

Women aged 55 years and over are one of the fastest growing populations experiencing homelessness in Australia, with older women particularly vulnerable to housing insecurity due to a range of current and historical systemic factors.

Sandra experienced homelessness and was supported by crisis accommodation service Catherine House before finding her forever home with Housing Choices.

Sandra is part of a diverse group of women using their own personal insights with homelessness to co-design an action plan and innovative recommendations to address this concerning issue.

“We all have the same goal in mind and that’s getting to the crux of the issues that aren’t working.”

“I’ve seen so much progress in our taskforce meetings. It’s exhilarating to know we can actually make a difference.”

The taskforce brings together a range of lived experience, expertise, disciplines, networks and community to create holistic, practical and meaningful change. Final recommendations are expected to be completed in the next few months.

“I want to be part of making a difference and seeing for myself firsthand how it is going to look and work effectively.”