❓ Question addresses the increasing homelessness among women over 60, referencing an Anglicare report. The answer outlines existing and planned government strategies and collaborations to address homelessness, including specific initiatives for single women.
AnsweredQoN 4640Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to findings in the recent Anglicare 'State of the Family' Report that an increasing number of women over sixty are joining the ranks of the homeless and ask what government strategies have been formulated to arrest this disturbing trend?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 November 2015
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Child Protection
Response time
34 days
Homelessness is a complex issue and there are a range of interrelated factors contributing to individuals and families becoming homeless; which often include a combination of lack of affordable housing, family breakdown, lack of employment skills, substance abuse, mental illness and family and domestic violence.
The Department for Child Protection and Family Support (the Department) is currently working with a number of organisations with regard to homelessness transitional support services which will include single women (including those over 55). Since July 2015 the Salvation Army has dedicated one floor at the Beacon facility to provide 18 rooms to accommodate single women. In early 2016 UnitingCare West will also be transitioning a six bed share house in Perth to provide accommodation for single women.
In November 2014, St Bartholomew's House opened the 'Kensington Street Transitional Accommodation Services', aimed to provide safe, secure and affordable accommodation for females aged 55 years and over who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Department continues to work closely with the Housing Authority in relation to housing and homelessness. The State Government remains committed to addressing seniors' housing issues and as part of the Government's Affordable Housing Strategy five-year action plan, the Housing Authority will be developing a whole-of-government Seniors' Housing Strategy. The priorities identified as part of the Seniors Housing Initiative, will be considered in light of the Social Housing Investment Program and as part of the broader Affordable Housing Strategy. The Housing Authority will engage with a range of key stakeholders in developing the strategy.
The Department for Child Protection and Family Support (the Department) is currently working with a number of organisations with regard to homelessness transitional support services which will include single women (including those over 55). Since July 2015 the Salvation Army has dedicated one floor at the Beacon facility to provide 18 rooms to accommodate single women. In early 2016 UnitingCare West will also be transitioning a six bed share house in Perth to provide accommodation for single women.
In November 2014, St Bartholomew's House opened the 'Kensington Street Transitional Accommodation Services', aimed to provide safe, secure and affordable accommodation for females aged 55 years and over who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Department continues to work closely with the Housing Authority in relation to housing and homelessness. The State Government remains committed to addressing seniors' housing issues and as part of the Government's Affordable Housing Strategy five-year action plan, the Housing Authority will be developing a whole-of-government Seniors' Housing Strategy. The priorities identified as part of the Seniors Housing Initiative, will be considered in light of the Social Housing Investment Program and as part of the broader Affordable Housing Strategy. The Housing Authority will engage with a range of key stakeholders in developing the strategy.
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