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
We`re offering a great opportunity for 6-8 yr olds to learn some fun basic textile skills next Thursday 17 July, that will give them the confidence and inspiration to eventually learn how to sew, upcycle and repair! You can book a place here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/weaving-and-embroidery-workshop-for-6-8yr-olds
Did you know that the Peace Symbol, designed by Gerald Holtom in 1958, is based on flag semaphore signals? The vertical line represents the semaphore signal for "D" (for disarmament), and the downward lines represent "N" (for nuclear). Design and make your own Peace Badge at the Blue Mountains Peace Symposium and Peace Picnic on Saturday 2nd August at the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre (bookings here (link in profile: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-peace-symposium).
On another one of the badges below, the phrase "Hell no, we won`t go" is one which gained prominence in Australia during the Vietnam War, when conscription was introduced. Many young men refused to be conscripted, leading to protests, demonstrations, and the formation of anti-war movements. These movements, including the Moratorium campaigns, played a significant role in shaping public opinion and ultimately contributing to the end of Australia`s involvement in the war.
The Planetary Health Peace Symposium is bringing together veterans of the Peace Movement (including an organiser of the Moratorium campaign), Rotary and Quakers, Robert Tickner AO (ambassador for ICAN: the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons), Mayor Mark Greenhill, a signatory of Mayors for Peace, Susan Templeman MP, Indonesian Ambassador Dr Siswo Pramono on Indonesia’s ratification of the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty, as well as community members concerned about a world increasingly consumed by war. On the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, participate in a program of talks, film, stalls, music, art and a Community Peace Picnic as, together, we take urgent action for nuclear disarmament and peace.
It`s been 80 years since the horror of nuclear weapons was first unleashed with the US bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Find out how we can work together to stop this madness and grow a Movement for Peace at the Blue Mountains Peace Symposium on Saturday 2nd August. The day will include presentations by Robert Tickner AO, the Ambassador for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN); Mayor Mark Greenhill on Mayors for Peace; Susan Templeman MP; Dr Siswo Pramano: Indonesian Ambassador; veterans of the Peace Movement and young activists; Rowe Morrow OAM from Quakers; Jennifer Scott AM from Rotary International; journalist Harumi Hayakawa; and Dharug man Chris Tobin. It will also include a film screening, and a Community Peace Picnic with food, exhibition, stalls, badge and origami crane making and live music with the Bearded Ladies Community Choir. The Symposium has been organised by the Blue Mountains Peace Collective and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. Please share to help us grow a movement and book your tickets at the link below (link in profile):
The Bushcare Seed Collectors are meeting today from 10am to 3pm at the Planetary Health Centre. It`s a great way to learn more about propagating native plants. Watch our video below and read more in Katoomba Area Local News: https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/bushcare-seed-collectors/...
The Bushcare Seed Collectors are meeting today from 10am to 3pm at the Planetary Health Centre. It`s a great way to learn more about propagating native plants. Read more in Katoomba Area Local News: https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/bushcare-seed-collectors/ (link in profile)
We are holding School Holiday workshops for young people on Thursday 17 July. In these fun workshops with Sherlie Mcmillan (known for her Fashion Upcycling and Women`s Shed workshops) young people will be introduced to woodwork and textile crafts with a great teacher! Accompanying adults welcome.
Book for the Weaving and Embroidery Workshop for 6-8 yr olds here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/weaving-and-embroidery-workshop-for-6-8yr-olds
Book for the Workshop for 8-12 yr olds to Create a Pom Pom Launcher, Pom Poms and Headband here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/create-a-pom-pom-launcher-pom-poms-and-headband
Our new Planetary Health Newsletter includes the Blue Mountains Peace Symposium, School Holiday Workshops, today`s Planetary Health Bushcare, a story about a Men`s Group in Lawson, a workshop on Designing Your Future Home, and information on how to prepare for Bushfire Season with Council`s chipping service. You can read it here: https://bit.ly/3TkWGRj (link in profile) #planetaryhealth #peace #peacesymposium #bluemountains #schoolholidayworkshops #hope #solutions #mensgroup #katoomba...
The Community Tree Planting Day for the Glossy Black Cockatoo is on this Saturday 5 July near Cowra! Learn more about how you can help grow connected landscapes to save the Glossy Black, including more about the Community Tree Planting Day, by fast forwarding to 48mins in our video "Falling in Love with Glossy Black Cockatoos" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCERdF21Ud0&t=2075s
Register your interest to join everyone at the Tree Planting Day here:
Join us for this fabulous workshop: Designing Your Future Home on Saturday 19 July (10am-12 noon) Create a Healthy, Comfortable and Energy-Efficient Home
Join local Passive House Designer Karina Rafailov from Earthy Haus for a relaxed, interactive, and inspiring workshop. Whether you’re planning a new build or thinking about a renovation, this session will empower you with the knowledge to create a home that’s healthier for your family and kinder to the planet.
Places are strictly limited in this hands-on workshop so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/workshop-designing-your-future-home-tickets-1417752157869
As an increasing number of people are being affected by winter viruses, we’re offering a free session of Tai Chi and Qigong on Saturday 5 July in the warmth of our beautiful Frogs of the Blue Mountains exhibition. Places are limited so book in early here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/40fnGW2 Learn more about these Chinese medicine movement practices in the video interview with Virginia Field on our YouTube channel (link in profile) and read about how Chinese medicine helped her overcome illness as a young woman in our story: Healing Body, Mind and Spirit with Tai Chi and Qigong here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/tai-chi-and-qigong/
If you’re interested in learning how to propagate native plants and are keen to help our bush regenerate, the Bushcare Seed Collectors meet on the second Tuesday of the month. Check out how they cook Banksias to release their seed and learn more about the group, and native seed collecting, in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/bushcare-seed-collectors/
If you’d like to join the group, contact the Bushcare officer Tracy Abbas on 4780 5623 or email tabbas@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Littlejohni, the Rare and Endangered Northern Heath Frog, photographed in Woodford!
When the Frogs of the Blue Mountains exhibition opened at the Planetary Health Centre in March it featured photos of 20 different local frogs. We were thrilled, however, when Andy Klotz and other members of the Hawkesbury Herpetological Society recently managed to photograph another frog in Woodford: the rarely seen and endangered Litoria littlejohni, also known as the Northern Heath Frog or Orange-bellied Tree Frog. We’ve added a photo of that frog to the exhibition and created a new Frogs of the Blue Mountains video in which you can listen to its call on our YouTube channel. We interviewed Andy to learn more about the Littlejohni and how they managed to find its small local population. You can read this story in Mid Mountains Local News (link in profile). #biodiversity #bluemountainsfrogs #northernheathfrog #litorialittlejohni #bluemountains #woodford #planetaryhealth #hawkesburyherpetologicalsociety...
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.
