Alarming rise in homeless single, older women

“They will all tell you stories of having tough times, but they never, ever approached any type of charity. There can be a great sense of shame, but we say to them ‘there’s no shame and we are here to work with you and help you back on your feet’.”– Capt Sandra Edge

The rate of homeless older single women is steadily increasing, according to Upper Blue Mountains Salvation Army officer Captain Sandra Edge, who says women aged up to the age of 70 are living in their cars, or any temporary accommodation they can find.

“Many have been living in cities in private rentals and their partner may have passed away, or there has been separation or divorce. Often there is not enough superannuation and the pension doesn’t fully pay for their rent, let alone any living expenses,” Sandra says.

According to Sandra, many have been housewives or mothers and don’t have significant employment history.

This trend has also been noted in a number of recent studies, including a joint report between The Salvation Army Australian Southern Territory and Swinburne University* which states: “Single, older women in Australia have emerged as a group vulnerable to housing insecurity and as being in danger of homelessness in their old age.”

Searching for stability

Sandra says: “Many drive out of Sydney to areas nearby such as the Blue Mountains looking for safe, cheap accommodation, but then find increased demand has pushed up costs and decreased housing availability.

“If they want to stay within the local area, we use all the resources available in conjunction with other local agencies to help stabilise them,” she says.

“The service recently helped a homeless woman in her 70s find medium-term accommodation in a tourist hostel, and another grandmother who lost her home at 60, into medium-term emergency accommodation.

“They’ve been living and travelling around in their cars, almost in shock at the situation they have found themselves in,” Sandra says.

*“No Home at the End of the Road?” 2011 Dr Andrea Sharam.

Photo caption: The Salvos’ Sandra Edge (left) says increasing numbers of older women are facing homelessness.