LGBTIQA+ Older People Housing Support
Housing for the Aged Action Group welcomes all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex & Asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities to access our housing services, to participate in our organisation and our campaigns for housing justice, and to work with us.
We strive to do so in an inclusive and respectful way and provide a welcoming and safe environment. HAAG does not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, gender expression, intersex variation or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to LGBTI diversity and inclusion we recently achieved Rainbow Tick accreditation.
Latest Updates and Events from HAAG's LGBTIQA+ Projects
Community Education Sessions
In partnership with LGBTIQA+ organisations, the Older LGBTIQA+ housing project uses early intervention methods to improve the ability of older LGBTIQA+ people to navigate the housing and homelessness systems and avoid a housing crisis. Our program involves developing and delivering LGBTI+ appropriate community education material that is informed through consultation with older LGBTIQA+ people and delivered by LGBTIQA+ community leaders. The community education session and resources:
- Inform LGBTIQA+ elders of their housing options and paths to access a safe, affordable and long-term home.
- Highlight the warning signs that may lead to homelessness and give older LGBTIQA+ people practical tips on how to recognise these signs, well before a crisis.
- Prevent older LGBTIQA+ people from becoming homeless following an unexpected life event e.g. family breakdown.
- Link older LGBTIQA+ people into HAAG for support.
- Ensure early referrals of older LGBTIQA+ people at risk of homelessness, so they can avoid a crisis.
LGBTIQA+ community reference group
The LGBTIQA+ reference group brings together older representatives from the LGBTIQA+ community to identify and address barriers and issues relating to accessing housing and homelessness services and maintaining secure and affordable housing. The group aims improve the ability for older LGBTIQA+ people to navigate the housing and homelessness system and avoid a housing crisis. For further information email: shane.mcgrath@oldertenants.org.au
This group is partially supported through funding from the Liberty Finance Pride Network.
LGBTIQA+ Housing Survey
Our LGBTIQA+ housing survey is now closed! You can read the results in our report.
The results of the original 2020 survey are available here.
Steering Committee
The steering committee oversaw our original project included:
Tonye Segbedzi (Australian Association of Gerontology), Pauline Crameri (Val’s LGBTI ageing and aged care), Brenda Appleton (Transgender Victoria) , Ada Castle (Switchboard Victoria) Toby Bolton (Thorne Harbour Health), Fiona York (HAAG), Rebecca Walton (HAAG)
In addition to community education, our steering committee continues our joint advocacy to increase appropriate housing options and improve the system response to older LGBTIQA+ people across the homelessness and aged care sectors.
Resources for LGBTIQA+ Older People
Below are some additional resources that LGBTIQA+ older people may find useful
VALS LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care
Victorian state-wide program working to improve healthy ageing pathways, care and visibility of older LGBTI people.
Q-Life (Switchboard Victoria)
Free, anonymous and confidential LGBTI phoneline and webchat Ring for a chat or to find referrals or more information.
Call 1800 184 527
Out and about program (Switchboard Victoria)
Statewide service providing regular catch ups for LGBTIQA+ people at risk of social isolation, eligibility: people accessing or waiting for a Home Care Package or living in residential aged care
Rainbow Door (Switchboard Victoria)
Free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family
Call 1800 729 367
Thorne Harbour Health (THH)
Victoria's leading LGBTI health service specialising in, HIV prevention, mental health, housing, family violence and drug and alcohol support
Call 1800 134 840
Housing Plus (THH)
A state-wide Victorian program that supports people living with HIV and the LGBTI community to seek and maintain safe, secure and affordable housing
Email housing@thorneharbour.org
Rainbow Connections (THH)
Peer connections for older LGBTI people
Transgender Victoria (TGV)
Victoria's leading body for trans and gender diverse advocacy, training, and resource development in
Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG)
Improving the experience of ageing through connecting research, policy and practice.
Senior's Rights Victoria
Helpline-information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse
Call 1300 368 821
VincentCare
VincentCare is a rainbow tick specialist housing and homelessness service that supports people who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless or experiencing a housing crisis.
Call 03 9611 9200
Carers Victoria
Rainbow tick organisation representing and providing support to carers in Victoria.
Call 1800 514 845
Matrix Guild
An advocacy and support group for older lesbians who provide information on accommodation options and manage some social housing properties
LGBTI+ Elders dance group
Free monthly social event, learn new dances, and interact with other LGBTI+ elders and allies.
Community Visitor Programs
List and links to the current CVS Auspices providing LGBTI specific services.
Alice’s Garage
A national project empowering LGBTI elders and promoting healthy LGBTI ageing in Australia
Silver Rainbow
National coordination and support activities promoting the well-being of LGBTI elders and the ongoing delivery of the LGBTI awareness training to the aged care sector
Drummond Street
A not for profit community service organisation with a range of services including counselling and support services for older LGBTI people
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."