There is no other indicator more inextricably linked to improved societal outcomes than housing.
Access to affordable and secure housing is the foundation from which people can connect to the community, economy and essential services, and where they can set themselves up for their own future. The current crisis in housing affordability and supply is, therefore, a crisis in community wellbeing.
Around Australia and right here in the ACT, older women are the fastest-growing group of people experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. Between 2019 and 2021, YWCA Canberra found a four-fold increase in older women using homelessness support services, while usage from the general population barely increased.
Sadly, domestic and family violence remains a leading cause of homelessness among women. With the rates of domestic and family violence spiking during the pandemic crisis, we expect many Canberra women and their children will have to choose between becoming homeless or staying in a violent household.
YWCA Canberra has provided housing support to women and the broader Canberra community for over 80 years, starting with the opening of Leave House in Mort St by Lady Gowrie in 1942.
We are innovative in our housing approach, using gender- and trauma-informed, strengths-based practice and working within our community and with strategic partnerships to deliver on individual and community needs.
YWCA Canberra supports women and their families with a range of housing services, including social, supported and affordable housing. We are even developing a block of units to support older women at risk of homelessness on land we own in Ainslie.
Your donation will go directly to our housing programs, to ensure we can provide wrap-around tenancy support and help our clients access the additional services and ongoing help they need to retain their housing and transition to secure, long term housing.
1. Head to our donations page
2. Enter your details
3. Select ‘housing support’ from the options
4. We’ll send you a tax deductible receipt via email!