The Sunshine Coast is currently experiencing significant housing stress which means that there are more people experiencing homelessness for the very first time.
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said as part of Council’s Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, Council was supporting Better Together Housing to support women in finding accommodation.
“This reinforces Council’s commitment to facilitating affordable and diverse housing options and supporting community-led initiatives,” Cr Bunnag said.
“The Better Together Housing Program helps to reduce housing stress by helping women over 55 find secure and affordable shared-living solutions.
“Women over 55 is the fastest growing demographic of homelessness in Australia.
“Currently, housing on the Sunshine Coast is mismatched. Only two in five homes are considered appropriate to their housing size and 52 per cent of households are either occupied by one person or a couple.
“If you have a spare bedroom, you could help to be part of the solution through the Better Together Housing Program.”
At a Better Together Housing forum held at Goodlife Community Centre this week Dr Lyndall Bryant, QUT Centre for Justice, shared that the census said about 3.2 million Australian homes have one spare bedroom which are more common in the homes of older than younger Australians. These spare rooms ought to be part of the solution.
Better Together Housing brings together like-minded women in a safe and secure way to find shared accommodation.
Created by women, for women, we welcome women who own or rent their home and are wanting to find women to share with, women who are looking for a new place to live with one or more women, or women who are uncertain about sharing, but want to connect with other women to explore the possibilities of shared housing.
Better Together Housing Member Nola said she didn’t have any money to donate to causes but could offer her support to other women out there and try to show them not to be afraid, because it can work.
“We’ve blended so well together,” Nola said.
“It’s reassuring having another person in the house. As I’m getting older I’m getting nervous about things like the fire alarm going off or things not working on the computer.”
Ever wondered how your space could make a difference and be part of a solution for affordable housing options for women in need?
For more information about the program, visit bettertogetherhousing.com.au
