Housing Plea
There are now three transitional housing options for older women in the Hills thanks to the campaigning efforts of a small band of Kenthurst locals.
The fight to turn empty houses in the area into homes for older women and their children in danger of homelessness started seven years ago when friends and Kenthurst locals Dennis Van Someren and James Visione got together and started talking to service providers about the need for accommodation.
Their efforts saw the founding of the Transitional Housing The Hills which is working with Wesley Mission Community Housing to provide accommodation for three women and a total of 6 children. The group is now on the hunt for more housing.
Dennis, who has been lobbying both MPs and local councillors for over a year says it’s a dire situation that needs resolving. The search for empty properties has involved contacting over 70 church groups. He said aside from Wesley Uniting Church, The Baptist Centre at Dural, Baptist Castle Hill and The Zoroastrian Church in Annangrove, the response has been poor.
“We are looking for compassionate landlords who want to make a difference in the community,” said Dennis. The tenancy agreement will be with Wesley Mission who will guarantee rent, property damage will be rectified and no vacancy risk.
“There are 110,000 women in NSW over 45 who are either homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. This situation is unacceptable,: he said.
A testimonial from one Hills tenant said: “This program literally saved my life and has given us an opportunity to get back on (our) feet.”
In a tour of local community groups Dennis has been calling for action saying: “There are 533 empty houses in the Hills and so many people desperate to rent. There are 273 empty houses in the Hawkesbury and 510 in the Hornsby Council area.
“Nearly half the women (48.2%) who asked for accommodation assistance from a specialist homeless service in 2020/2021 went without help according to The Older’s Women Network.
“About 30 women a week are being turned away from Women’s Community shelters because there are no rooms.”
Transitional Housing The Hills has won the support of several local service groups including Kenthurst Rotary Club, West Pennant Hills/Cherrybrook Rotary Club, (all integral to the maintenance program) Galston branch of the Country Women’s Association and The Hills branch of Soroptimists International which have given a financial commitment.
Dennis said the group hopes to have six houses by the end of 2024 and at least 12 in total next year. The group is calling for an audit of council properties to see if any are suitable for transitional or affordable housing.
Incoming Hills Mayor Michelle Byrne said: “I look forward to continuing to work with local community groups and organisations as well as all levels of Government to solve homelessness in the Hills.
“Already we have seen the success of the Hills Transitional Housing project and what can be achieved when we all work together. I am open to exploring all avenues to find a way to reduce homelessness in the Hills.”
Despite council like Randwick council looking at a vacancy residential land tax she said it was “not the silver bullet to solving the overall housing crisis” saying it might mean less houses available on the rental market.
To find out more or contact Transitional Housing The Hills call Dennis on 0421 825 265 or email [email protected] or email James at [email protected] or call 0427 843 404.
THE STATISTICS
ABS Statics from the 2021 census highlighted by Mission Australia show:
• 1 in 7 people experiencing homelessness are over the age of 55.
• There are over 122,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.
In NSW the February 2023 street count revealed 1,623 people sleeping rough – a 34 per cent increase compared to 2022.
Street counts took place between 2 February and 27 February 2023, in more than 350 towns and suburbs in 76 local government areas (LGA) across NSW.
The Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) estimates there are 405,000 older women at risk of homelessness in Australia.
Women experience homelessness later in life due to a number of factors including: rising housing costs, eviction, job loss, financial instability, the end of a relationship, sudden illness and disability, domestic violence or elder abuse or a combination of these factors. Limited superannuation is also a problem.
According to HAAG Many older women are “hidden” and do not present at homelessness services. They may be couch surfing, pet sitting, or travelling in vans.
