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.
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.
Shocking new data from the ABS Census shows that 84% of single older* private renters in the Greater Melbourne region are in housing stress, and the majority (54%) are in severe stress paying more than half their income in rent, forcing many older people into abject poverty and ill health. Current trends suggest this situation is only going to get worse with an ageing population and more people expected to be retiring in rental housing in the future rather than home ownership.
Homelessness Week 2017 focuses on Innovation and Action and by the end of this week, a Melbourne-based Innovation Action Project will house its 600th older person. The Home at Last Service is the only one in Australia that focuses on preventing homelessness in over 55’s.
Aoife and Shane talk about HAAG's expanded Retirement Housing Project and the issues that come up in these supposedly older-person-friendly kinds of housing - plus how the residents are fighting back. If you want to get in touch you can call HAAG on (03) 9654 7389.
Our Working Groups would like to welcome new members to work with us for Housing Justice! Join us for afternoon tea to find out how you can make a difference as part of the HAAG community!
8 August 2017 1pm to 3pm Fourth floor, Meeting room 1 Ross House 247-251 Flinders Lane Melbourne
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."