Lynne enjoys her solitude at home. (Photo: Julie Nance)
Story by Julie Nance
The Homes for Older Women (HOW) program is a successful community-based solution to the national housing crisis. Since launching in May last year, the Blue Mountains not-for-profit has secured accommodation for 47 older women facing housing insecurity and homelessness.
Writer Julie Nance helped set up the program as a volunteer and recently finished a challenging but rewarding year as Program Manager. She shares the experiences of women involved with, and impacted by, the grass-roots initiative.
Key Points:
Research shows older women are now the fastest-growing group to experience homelessness in Australia. 66% of homeless people in the Blue Mountains in 2021-22 were women. This is higher than the national figure.
Older women are at greater risk of housing insecurity due to factors including relationship separation, death of a partner and retirement. Women often have significantly lower superannuation balances and savings than men.
The Homes for Older Women program collaborates with local homeowners, volunteers, community organisations, businesses and three levels of government to help combat the housing crisis.
As Lynne sits crocheting on her back deck overlooking the bush, memories of loss and homelessness don’t bite as powerfully as they used to.
The 72-year-old once ran a successful small business in the mid-Mountains and is a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. After Lynne’s partner of 18 years passed away, her life took a series of negative turns.
She was given notice to leave her rental property and struggled to secure accommodation on one income. After couch surfing with family for a few months, she suffered a mini stroke.
“It was traumatic losing my partner – we had a lot of plans,” Lynne says. “I was homeless, unwell and very stressed about the future.”
The HOW program connects women aged 55+ facing housing insecurity and homelessness with compassionate homeowners who have vacant rental accommodation – granny flats, studios, houses, apartments or spare bedrooms. Run by Older Women’s Network (OWN) Blue Mountains, the free service is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers including those fielding calls and emails daily from distraught older women needing help.
Many, like Lynne, have brought up families and had successful careers. A high percentage of home seekers are on aged or disability pensions but some are still working full-time or part-time. They simply can’t afford the ridiculously high rents or compete against rental applicants with double incomes.
It was confronting to face the reality that in our beautiful Blue Mountains community my own peers – women in their 50s and alarmingly as old as 80 – are sleeping in their cars or vans, couch surfing or pet sitting, often for years. Some have escaped domestic violence or are facing mental or physical health challenges, exacerbated by their living conditions.
Despite the stories of hardship and despair, there was a strong undercurrent of resilience and courage. One of the biggest rewards was seeing the transformation in women once they had secured a home.
For Lynne, moving into a two-bedroom, furnished granny flat in the upper Mountains allowed her to regain her independence and enjoy her hobbies again.
“HOW has given me an anchor and the security I need,” Lynne says. “It was the answer to my prayers. My landlord is the best I’ve ever had.”
After couch surfing, Lynne enjoys her own kitchen. (Photo: Julie Nance)
The origins of HOW
In early 2023 Bronwen Johnston, a member (now Chair) of OWN Blue Mountains, came up with the idea to utilise existing accommodation to support older women facing housing insecurity. The concept was embraced by the local membership and OWN NSW. Bronwen formed a volunteer team with fellow members Heather Shepherd and Kerry Chater. Vent Thomas, a local IT expert, joined the team and after Kerry left her position, I was invited to come on board.
We worked hard for many months to get ready for launch. In March last year I secured the role of Program Manager, with a Mercy Foundation grant funding two days of my full-time workload. The dedicated volunteer team continued to grow.
I was saddened to spot a handwritten note pinned on a noticeboard outside a lower Mountains supermarket from a 90-year-old seeking accommodation. We knew we wouldn’t be short of vulnerable older women requiring our services, but we had no idea if homeowners would come to the party once we launched our expression of interest process in late May.
The note that made my heart sink. (Photo: Julie Nance)
We needn’t have worried. The response from the community was swift and overwhelming. Within 10 months the program had housed 47 women in a wide range of accommodation including studios, granny flats and share houses. We even found a property for a tiny home!
HOW has attracted a growing number of supporters in addition to OWN NSW including Scenic World, ActiveCampaign, Catholic Care, Blue Mountains Computers and Bendigo Bank. In December last year Homes NSW (Homelessness Innovation Fund) became a program partner which boosted resources and allowed the employment of part-time Program Officer Michelle.
Fundraising and donations are still required to address the high volume of women needing accommodation and wrap-around support. The number of women on the books often swells to more than 70, with a constant shortage of self-contained accommodation.
HOW volunteer Sandy Croker, a social worker, was one of the first volunteers to come on board, donating one day per week to support intake calls from home seekers and homeowners.
“I love the uniqueness of the program, the women’s stories and how the program reaches out to the community,” Sandy says. “Homelessness affects everybody.”
Former HOW Program Manager Julie (in white) with intake volunteers (L-R) Coralie, Sandy, Carol, Program Officer Michelle and Kathryn. (Photo supplied)
Collaborating with the experts
From its inception, HOW has gained valuable support from an Advisory Committee including representatives from Blue Mountains Health and Resource Centre (BMHRC), Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC), Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN), Link Wentworth and Zonta Club Blue Mountains.
Kris Newton, MCRN Executive Officer, says HOW demonstrates the strength of place-based, locally-run initiatives that are “agile, flexible and able to act swiftly”. She says they are not tied down by layers of bureaucracy, they know their local ‘patch’ and they are able to harness local community goodwill.
“HOW offers a template for how a community can craft effective local solutions, utilising local knowledge and local partnerships to deal with local issues,” Kris says.
Homeowners participating in the program gain a financial return for renting out accommodation and also have the satisfaction of making a significant difference in the lives of older women.
Wendy Truelove spotted a HOW Facebook post soon after purchasing an investment property in Lithgow. The founder of Red Dot Animal Programs – a rehoming, education and desexing charity – was acutely aware of the challenge of finding pet-friendly rentals.
When HOW put forward a woman with an elderly dog, two cats and a bird, Wendy didn’t hesitate to consider her application and offered her the long-term rental.
“I am often contacted by people facing the heartbreaking decision of surrendering their pets to be able to secure a rental home,” Wendy says. “Renting my property with HOW means an older woman and her animals can stay together.”
Wendy, a HOW home provider and program supporter. (Photo supplied)
Red Dot has recently come on board as a HOW supporter, providing donations of pet food and other products.
“In a single income household, after paying rent, utilities and groceries there is often little left over,” Wendy says.
Saying goodbye
Late last month (March) I had to walk away from a program I’m passionate about so I could focus on my health. I learned so much from the women we supported and all the wonderful people offering help. This includes the importance of a stable home, connecting to community, self-care and hope.
I received an email before I left which reinforced the importance of HOW:
“I want to thank you and everyone working in this program so much for giving me hope at a very dark time. Having people who listened to me with compassion and understanding meant more than I can tell you, and I hope you know how much what you do matters.”
Take Action:
If you have a vacant studio, granny flat, home, apartment or spare bedroom, get in touch with new HOW Program Manager Katherine Starr for an obligation-free chat: 0493 965 190; how@ownnsw.org.au; or visit how.ownnsw.org.au
Do you feel overwhelmed about preparing your home for bushfire? Come along to the free Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit Workshop at the Disaster Risk Awareness Expo (and pre-Christmas Family Day) at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 22 Nov. Meet the team who developed the Toolkit and learn to use it in a free, 2-hour interactive workshop. You will have the opportunity to work on case study properties in small groups and ask the team questions about your own property. Free afternoon tea provided. Bookings essential here (Disaster Risk Awareness Expo link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/disaster-risk-awareness-expo-or-full-cycle-2025/tickets #beprepared #bushfire #retrofit #disasterriskawareness #planetaryhealth #katoomba #bluemountains #bushfireretrofittoolkit...
When we pulled up some old lino we were shocked to learn at the Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility that it was made of asbestos. There are so many parts of old homes in the Blue Mountains that contain asbestos, so, to help keep everyone safe, we`ve invited Betty the Asbestos Education House to the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday 22nd November as part of our Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and pre-Christmas Family Day. Betty is a purpose built, mobile model home designed to demonstrate where asbestos might be found in and around any Australian home built or renovated before 1990. Her exterior resembles a typical fibro home but when opened up, she has extensive audio and visual information including a bathroom, kitchen, living room, man shed/garage and a dog house. You can learn more and register to attend this free event here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
Yesterday we launched the Upper Mountains Seed Saving and Gardening Group at the Planetary Health Centre. It`s the perfect time to get planting so we shared locally acclimatised seeds for a variety of beans (they don`t cross-pollinate so you can plant as many varieties as you can fit in!), round yellow zucchinis, Japanese pumpkins and Roi de Carouby peas. Seeds are arguably one of the best return on investments you can make in your life. Plant one tiny celery seed and when that plant goes to seed you can harvest thousands to replant and to sprout and add to your salads. We`ll be meeting on the first Saturday of every month as part of Skill Share Saturdays at the Planetary Health Centre. Our next meeting will be Saturday 6 Dec. Register here if you`d like to attend (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-upper-mountains-seed-saving-and-gardening-group?
The KTOWN pickers - Katoombans Taking On Waste Now - are clearing litter from local tracks and streets and stopping it from entering our waterways and eventually our water supply. Read more in Katoomba Area Local News (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/ktown-katoombans-taking-on-waste-now/
This Saturday will be the first meeting of the Upper Mountains Seed Saving and Gardening Group at the Planetary Health Centre, starting at 10am. Register your interest here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/3LalNFy
It will be followed by the Planetary Health Bushcare group at 1.30pm. Register your interest here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/49k8PPo
Global poisoning by a tsunami of toxins that are flooding the planet is fast becoming the biggest threat to life on earth. Extreme weather events like fire and flood accelerate this chemical pollution. To address this the Planetary Health Centre`s Full Cycle 2025 conference from 20-22 Nov is bringing together leading experts in managing extreme weather events as well as those who are working on reducing the risk of hazardous materials like asbestos and PFAS. According to keynote speaker Julian Cribb:
"The poisoning of our planet through human chemical emissions is arguably the largest human impact of all upon the Earth. In volume, it is four to five times greater than our climate emissions (which are a part of it), and three times more lethal than the estimated climate death-toll. It is the mega-threat least understood by society, monitored by science or regulated by government. It has mainly occurred over the last 50 years, due to a massive global surge in chemical use and materials extraction.
Scientific assessment has identified more than 350,000 man-made chemicals. The US Department of Health estimates 2000 new chemicals go on the market every year and the Smithsonian says 1000 new compounds are now being synthesised every hour. The UN Environment Program warns about a third of these “are persistent, able to accumulate in humans and animals and are toxic”.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 13.7 million people — one in every four — die each year from diseases caused by “air, water and soil pollution, chemical exposures, climate change and ultraviolet radiation”, caused by human activity.
Human chemical emissions are thus responsible for the largest mass killing in history.
Learn more and register for the conference here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
There will be a free community expo on Saturday 22 November at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba.
Conference volunteers receive free registration. Email planetaryhealthevents@bmcc.nsw.gov.au if you’d like to volunteer at this critically important event.
T`ai-chi and Qigong routines can increase mobility and strength, improve immunity and help build an inner calm. To get the greatest health impact you need to practice them on a regular basis, so we`re thrilled to now be offering a 6-week block of classes to take you into summer starting 9am this Saturday 1 November and running until Sat 6 December. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4qrw4Nx This Saturday, 1 November, the activity is also the first in a full day of Skill Share activities at the Centre that includes Seed Saving and Gardening from 10am, and Planetary Health Bushcare from 1.30pm. You can book in for Bushcare here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/49k8PPo Contact Lis on 0407 437 553 for more information.
Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be meeting again at the Planetary Health Centre at 6pm on Monday 27 October. Register at this link if you`d like to attend! (link in profile) https://events.humanitix.com/rotarians-4-planetary-health-l7bb4qhr?
Thank you to everyone who popped by for the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains today! It was a great day discussing gardens, ponds, frogs, seeds, composting seats, wicking beds and how to restore the hydrological cycle! Next Saturday will be our Skill Share Saturday. We`ll be kickstarting a 6-week block of Tai Chi & Qigong at 9am, launching our Seed Saving and Gardening Group at 10am and running our monthly Bushcare Group at 1.30pm. You can book in for Tai Chi here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/tai-chi-and-qigong-six-week-block-spring-2025-qaw2ts2v and to Bushcare here (link also in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-bushcare-spring-summer-2025
The Planetary Health Centre is on the Edible Garden Trail today! Last week we launched the Upper Mountains Seed Savers and Gardening Group. Come along to learn more, enjoy a coffee in our garden, and pick up a free Vegetable and Flower Sowing Guide. We`re open from 10am. You can find us at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Tickets for the Edible Garden Trail available here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-edible-garden-trail-2025
The Planetary Health newsletter is now out. Read about three days of innovation at the upcoming Full Cycle Conference in Nov, the Edible Garden Trail this weekend, and a six week block of Tai Chi and Qigong classes at the Planetary Health Centre (link in profile): https://bit.ly/47jbFBz
Today is an Extreme Bushfire Danger Day! Have you heard about the extraordinary fire resistant paint developed by Professor Yeoh and his team at UNSW? Professor Yeoh will be presenting at our Full Cycle Conference on Thurs 20 November. He is world renowned in the field of fire safety and his innovations are helping to keep people and property safe. Importantly among these innovations has been the development and commercialisation of FSA FIRECOAT paint (sold at Bunnings), which creates a protective insulating ‘char’ on a building when it’s exposed to flames. It is water based and non toxic. Watch it in action in this video (link in profile): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkA1RlxMjWQ
Join us at the Conference to learn more about Professor Yeoh’s work during three days of innovation and exploration in which leading speakers from around Australia will share how we can reduce the risks of natural hazards and hazardous materials. Places are limited so register here now (link in profile): https://www.fullcycleconference.com.au/
Julie Nance is a community storyteller with the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. In her coverage of the Lower Mountains area, she brings 30 years’ experience in communications, publishing and journalism.
After specialising in health and social issues as a journalist, Julie led creative teams in the government and not-for-profit sectors including the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, YMCA NSW, Cancer Council NSW and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Julie is passionate about empowering people with quality information to help them make informed choices.
Music, creativity and sustainability all come together at Glenbrook Rotary Markets every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, and recently the organisers from the Rotary Club of the Lower Blue Mountains showcased their continuing commitment to waste reduction by hosting a creative Trash to Treasure Competition for local Lower Mountains kids.
