Other than English speakers, Arabic speakers are the largest language group that Home at Last assists. As such, we want you to have your say on how our organisation works and how we can work towards changing government policies to make your life better. You can have your say by becoming a HAAG member. It is free for pensioners.
The NSW Ageing on the Edge Reference Group met Thursday 24th August at the NSW Federation of Housing Associations. About 15 key agencies attended the meeting covering the spectrum from housing, homelessness, aged care, seniors rights, elder abuse, seniors issues and many other perspectives.
Long-time HAAGies Jeff and April came in to talk about where HAAG and older people's housing issues are at, including HAAG's national project, public housing stock transfers, and changes to public housing eligibility for older people. If you want to get in touch you can call HAAG on (03) 9654 7389.
Women over 65 are one of the fastest growing groups of people experiencing homlessness. A recent episode of SBS insight (Women on the Edge 22nd August 2017) covered this issue and explored the experiences of women struggling to secure a home of thier own. Among these women was Doris Perkins, a client of HAAGs Home At Last service.
"On 8 June 2017, 24 representatives from resident advocacy groups, universities, industry, ombudsman schemes, government agencies and regulators met in Melbourne at an Experts’ Forum to discuss the future of retirement housing regulation in Victoria. We were also joined by academics and advocates from interstate jurisdictions.
The Experts’ Forum followed the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the retirement housing sector, which released its final report on 7 March 2017. The Inquiry received 766 submissions and heard from 90 witnesses. The vast majority of evidence was received from residents.
The message to the Inquiry was clear: residents expect change. While many residents generally enjoy life in their choice of retirement housing, many are also frustrated by a system they see as geared in favour of operators. Some feel that instead of prioritising residents, operators are more concerned about satisfying shareholders.
Residents gave evidence to the Inquiry about what they see as unjustifiable exit fees, complex contracts and poor dispute resolution."
Eighty year old Retirement Village resident June Walkeden knows its tough paying bills on a pension, so she spends her free time hand making quilts to keep older people who have been at risk of homelessness warm.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."