Improving housing options and preventing homelessness for a growing number of older people at risk of or experiencing homelessness as they age will be discussed today when Ministers, housing experts and people with lived experience of the housing crisis come together at Victorian parliament.

The Older Person’s Housing Forum hosted by Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) is urging decisionmakers to ensure housing challenges specific to older people are urgently addressed in the government’s ongoing response to the crisis.

Victoria saw an increase of 77% in older renters over 55 between 2011 and 2021 censuses. Concerningly, this included about 85,000 older renters in the lowest income households at risk of homelessness. HAAG’s Home at Last service, a specialist older persons housing support service and other supports for older people saw a 62% increase in demand over a 24-month period, with many calls for assistance from older renters who have received eviction notices and unaffordable rent increases.

HAAG Executive Officer Fiona York says she is encouraged by some of the recent initiatives by the Victorian Government to address the housing crisis but more needs to be done for older people, including older renters and residents of retirement housing.

“We are thankful for the Government’s willingness to join the conversation today to listen to people who are feeling the brunt of the housing crisis,” she says.
“This is a critically important time to come together and discuss how we can prevent people reaching retirement age with no housing security,” she says.

Those speaking at the forum include Minister for Housing Harriet Shing, Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams, Parliamentary Secretary for Housing Katie Hall MP, Swinbourne University of Technology Professor Wendy Stone and people with lived experience of housing stress and homelessness.

“What older people need is a home they can afford to live in. In many ways, Victoria leads the way in supporting older people into secure housing compared to other states, with priority access and specific public and community housing for people aged 55 years and older, as well as HAAG’s unique Home at Last service, which is the envy of other states,” York says.

“But with the increasing demand for accessible, safe and affordable housing among older people, we are looking forward to working with the Government to make sure older people in housing crisis don’t fall through the cracks.”

Quote attributable to Minister Harriet Shing
“We know that with an ageing population it’s more important than ever to support older people who are at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping, and to provide security and certainty in the housing options that are available to older people - particularly women.”

Quote attributable to Katie Hall MP:
“Housing support for older Victorians, particularly women, is more important than ever. The opportunity to meet with sector leaders like HAAG, as well as those with lived experience, is so important to informing appropriate policy responses.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister Gabrielle Williams

“Older Victorians deserve a home that is safe, liveable and meets their needs - whether that be through residential parks, retirement villages or the private rental market.”

“We'll continue to work with stakeholders to implement new protections for Victorians in all housing situations, including through the recently introduced legislation and research project by the Commissioner for Residential Tenancies, and amendments to the Retirement Villages Act planned for later this year.”

Speakers including people with lived experience are available for interviews.