Today YWCA Canberra launched Next Door, a new innovative housing support service for older women who are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Frances Crimmins, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canberra acknowledged the importance of the ACT Government’s investment in improving the lives of older women.
“Through Next Door we will work with women age 50 and over find and maintain affordable appropriate and safe homes.
“Our goal is to nurture and empower older women to overcome the challenges, trauma and inequality they have experienced in their lives and build their resilience, independence and wellbeing.
“We know that around Australia and right here in the ACT older women are the fastest growing cohort of people experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness.
“Following a life-time of work and caring responsibilities, often characterised by inequalities around wages and superannuation compared to their male counterparts, many older women don’t have financial security.
“All it takes is one or two incidents such as a partner passing away, poor health, or a breakdown of family relationships and these women are left in a very volatile position – through no fault of their own.
“That’s why we’re delighted to have received a grant of $1.9 million from the ACT Government to deliver this much needed specialist women’s service.”
Through Next Door the YWCA Canberra housing team will work with older women to:
- Help overcome challenges such as mental and physical ill-health, relationship breakdowns, unemployment, or insecure work
- Identify whether they are eligible for social, community, affordable or private rental properties and assist with their application
- Organise aged care and disability support options to maintain independence and age in place
- Explore home share options for women that own their home
- Connect women with specialist community or government services with health, wellbeing, tenancy, legal and financial expertise
YWCA Canberra is a feminist not-for-profit organisation that has provided housing support to women and the broader Canberra community for more than 60 years.
“Our housing team takes a person-centered approach with our clients which means they are informed, in control and make their own decisions about their future.
“We listen to our clients, we think together, we coach rather than direct, we share ideas, and we seek feedback.
“There’s no other service out there like Next Door, we look forward to working with the ACT Government to improve outcomes for older women in Canberra now and into the future.” Ms Crimmins said.
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Frances Crimmins is available for interview.
Media contact: Communications, Advocacy and Engagement Team, 0429 210 881
Visit YWCA Canberra’s website, call 02 6185 2000 or email NextDoor@ywca-canberra.org.au for more information.