The Diocese of Parramatta’s social welfare agency Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains has entered a new partnership to support housing for older women aged 55 years and over in the Blue Mountains.
The Homes for Older Women (HOW) Program is now operating from Catholic Care’s community drop-in centre in Springwood. Run by Older Women’s Network (OWN) Blue Mountains, the not-for-profit initiative addresses housing insecurity and homelessness for women aged 55 and over. Women’s Network (OWN) Blue Mountains, the not-for-profit initiative addresses housing insecurity and homelessness for women aged 55 and over.
HOW connects women with compassionate homeowners who have a vacant granny flat, house, apartment, or bedroom for rent at an affordable price. Since the program launched in May last year, it has housed 40 older women in safe and secure accommodation.
Head of Services Brooke McGilvray said the partnership bolsters Catholic Care’s focus on supporting women’s housing – a key focus under its new three-year strategy.
“Our latest offering at Springwood through OWN Blue Mountains is yet another way we’re supporting women in today’s housing affordability crisis,” Brooke said.
“The latest offering complements our existing programs, including our nationally accredited Houses to Homes, which provides transitional housing for young pregnant women and mothers); as well as our partnerships with local community housing providers to fast-track rental applications and access suitable local housing.”
According to the NSW Government, single women over the age of 55 are one of the fastest-growing groups seeking housing help in NSW, due to factors such as domestic violence, separation, death of a spouse or partner, retirement or loss of employment, or sudden illness or injury.
And according to the Government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Specialist homelessness services annual report 2023–24, more than half (53 per cent) of older clients supported by homeless services were female.
“I am thrilled that the HOW program has chosen to make Catholic Care Springwood its home,” Community Engagement Coordinator Lisa Malcher said.
“The service they offer is vital in the Blue Mountains, as we have an older demographic and limited rental stock.
“Catholic Care’s wrap around service model complements this program, and I can see our Springwood centre becoming over time a safe haven for vulnerable women.”
Chair of OWN Blue Mountains and HOW, Bronwen Johnston, said the partnership with Catholic Care at Springwood was an exciting development in the program’s relatively short but impactful journey to date.
“We are delighted HOW has a new home, allowing us to more easily support our homeseekers and tenants connect to services, activities and community,” Bronwen said.
HOW Program Manager Julie Nance said it felt like such a natural fit to be working within the Drop-In Centre, with like-minded staff and volunteers.
“Our main role is an accommodation connection service for older women but it is incredibly valuable to be able to offer our participants on-the-spot, wrap-around support,” Julie said.
“Counselling, technology support, the women’s circle, community garden or just a cuppa and a chat – the list of offerings is impressive and aligns so well with our goals.”
If you’re struggling in today’s housing market, you’re not alone. Please contact Catholic Care for a confidential chat today.
