Vinnies has launched its 2023 Winter Appeal to help older women facing homelessness in the ACT and surrounding region.
“I never thought I’d end up homeless on the street in my 70s,” Joan* said. “Now I know, if it could happen to me, it could happen to any older woman.”
*: Not her real name.
At the age of 70, Joan found herself homeless soon after she lost her husband. Joan’s eldest daughter stole all her savings, and transferred the house into her own name, after her beloved husband of 50 years died.
“I’d lost my husband, I’d lost my home, I’d lost my family,” Joan said. “I mean, I had nothing to live for. I didn’t even have a pension.”
Like Joan, many older Australian women face homelessness because of financial insecurity or family and domestic violence.
Women often have to take time off work to look after their families, and this time off is usually unpaid. So, when they retire, women have less money to live on than men. If they separate, divorce, or become a widow, they are more vulnerable.
“Thanks to Vinnies, I was placed in a crisis accommodation, and met volunteers Jess and Maria,” Joan said. “First stop Maria organised for me to go to Centrelink to sort out my finances. Then Jess helped me organise a new home. Today, I’ve got a beautiful home I never thought I’d have again.”
John Feint, president of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, said: “The most recent census data revealed that incidence of all forms of homelessness has remained stubbornly high in our region and increased. A significant portion are women.”
Between September 2022 and February this year, 68 per cent of people who called the Vinnies Emergency Helpline identified as female, and were likely to be within the age cohorts of 25 to 49 years (62 per cent) and 50 to 64 years (23 per cent).
“These alarming numbers call for an urgent call to action,” Mr Feint said. “This winter, we are aiming to raise $400,000 to support women like Joan in the ACT and surrounding regions.
“The funds raised will be used to provide emergency accommodation so vulnerable older women have a safe place to sleep. Additionally, the funds will be used to provide urgent and practical support such as food, clothing, essential goods, rental payments, accommodation assistance, and medical costs to help prevent homelessness.”
Last winter, Vinnies volunteers provided emergency assistance worth $550,000 in the ACT and surrounds through its emergency relief helpline, in addition to the work of its specialist homelessness services.
“This was only possible because of the generosity of our community,” Mr Feint said.
“We’re asking the Canberra region to support us again this year, which will enable us to continue this crucial support for those in need.”
Donate now to help provide emergency accommodation so vulnerable older women have a safe place to sleep.
To donate, call 13 18 12, or visit www.vinnies.org.au.
