You are warmly invited to a forum with Orange local candidates to discuss older people’s housing and homelessness, on Monday on 12th December 2022 at Orange Ex-Services' Club. Speakers include the Hon Scott Barrett MLC, Mr. Phil Donato MP, Ms Heather Dunn (Labor candidate) and Tony Mileto (Nationals Candidate). Join us to hear from the candidates and ask questions about their priorities on housing solutions for older people. Join us to hear from the candidates and ask questions about their priorities on housing solutions for older people. Lunch will be served at 12.30pm.
Homes for People is a coalition of NSW housing campaigns which have come together to give focus to the problems many people face in relation to housing. We call for housing reform that will create the homes people want and need. The dire state of our housing market is the most pressing social issue currently facing NSW. In the lead up to the March 2023 election we are asking parties and candidates to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the housing crisis.
The lives of older people experiencing homelessness, particularly older women, will improve markedly if the New South Wales Government moves to implement the recommendations handed down today by the Social Issues Committee inquiry into homelessness amongst older people aged over 55
Ageing on the Edge NSW, coordinated by Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) is setting up a Lived Experience Action Group (LEAG) in NSW. Are you an older person who has had difficulty paying the rent, or have experienced homelessness, and want things to change. Get in touch with us to join this new group. People from different backgrounds and places across New South Wales are encouraged to join and be part of the campaign.
Many older women struggling to stay housed in New South Wales will miss out on a key measure in the budget intended to support them, because they don’t have the savings to access it
The Ageing on the Edge NSW Forum is calling on the NSW government to:
Fund a specialist older person’s housing information and support service that comprises both an early intervention and crisis response, similar to the HAAG Home at Last model in Victoria.
Lower the priority age for social housing eligibility from 80 years as a matter of urgency.
Build 5,000 social and affordable homes per year for 10 years, at least 20% of which should be dedicated to older people.
With over 400,000 women over the age of 45 at risk of homelessness, the provision of affordable, long-term housing for women is vital to prevent even more older women from falling into homelessness. On the other hand, younger women are finding it more difficult to secure a foothold in the Australian dream of owning a home.
This situation has to change, and with the upcoming federal election, now is the time to understand the connection between housing and gender equality; and why without affordable, long-term housing, women will continue to lag behind.
Based on widespread consultation with older people and the community sector , the Ageing on the Edge Forum has developed policy recommendations that are critical to addressing the needs of older people facing housing stress and homelessness in NSW.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."