As Australia’s housing market becomes increasingly unaffordable, older women are emerging as one of the fastest-growing groups facing homelessness. One such woman is Maggie Shambrook, who had a successful career and raised three children on her own before losing her job and home. Despite her postgraduate qualifications, Maggie found herself on the Newstart allowance, applying for rental properties but unable to secure a place to live.
At 65, Maggie’s story is one of many, illustrating the growing housing crisis among older women in Australia. With limited superannuation and shrinking income options, women like Maggie are finding it harder to afford stable housing. However, in the midst of this crisis, a new housing model is offering hope—a concept rooted in community, shared resources, and a fresh approach to affordable living.
The Rising Risk of Homelessness Among Older Women
The financial struggles faced by older women are clear. On average, women retire with significantly less superannuation than men—around $157,000 compared to $270,000. This disparity puts women at a distinct disadvantage, especially when their primary income comes from the aged pension or allowances like Newstart. Maggie’s attempts to find housing were unsuccessful despite applying for 30 properties.
For many women in her situation, being on Newstart or a pension poses major barriers to securing private rental accommodation. With rental prices continuing to soar, the housing market feels increasingly out of reach. Currently renting a downstairs section of a house, Maggie knows it’s only a temporary solution. Her situation reflects the reality of many older women who are forced to live in unstable conditions due to the lack of affordable housing options.
The Superannuation Gender Gap
One of the key contributors to housing insecurity among older women is the superannuation gap. Many women, like Maggie, find themselves relying on their super savings to cover basic living expenses, including rent. However, using superannuation in this way quickly depletes funds that were meant to support them throughout retirement. The gender pay gap, time taken off work for caregiving, and fewer full-time work opportunities during their careers leave many women with lower super balances. Maggie expressed the frustration of having to spend her super on rent, saying it felt devastating to use those savings for something other than retirement security.
Introducing Sharing With Friends: A New Solution
In response to the growing need for affordable housing, an organization called Sharing With Friends has developed an innovative model. The concept allows women to pool their resources and invest in shared, purpose-built homes. Each woman would own her private living space while sharing communal areas like a garden, library, and laundry. The organization aims to provide affordable, custom-built housing that fosters both financial and emotional security for its residents. The homes are designed by architect Eloise Atkinson, who balanced the cost of construction with the need for liveable spaces. This careful design ensures that women can maintain their independence while living in a supportive, community-oriented environment.
Tailoring the Housing to Residents’ Needs
Atkinson highlighted that every woman in the program has different priorities, and the homes need to reflect those diverse needs. “Even if you get five women together, you’ve got five different sets of priorities and compromises,” she said. As a result, the homes are designed to offer both private and shared spaces, allowing the residents to retain their individuality while benefiting from the companionship and support of others. The foundation also hosts workshops where women can explore each other’s values and preferences, helping them build a foundation of understanding and compatibility before committing to shared living. This thoughtful approach creates a sense of community that is crucial for long-term success.
Combatting Loneliness Through Shared Living
Beyond the financial benefits, Sharing With Friends addresses another growing issue among older women: loneliness. With many older women living alone or without close family, isolation can become a significant challenge. This was a key motivator for 73-year-old Barbara Symes, who decided to join the program for its potential to create a sense of community. Barbara has no family of her own, and she sees the communal aspect of shared living as essential to her well-being. By living with others in a supportive environment, Barbara and her fellow residents can create strong social bonds that help combat the loneliness that often accompanies aging.
A Growing Interest in the Model
The Sharing With Friends program is quickly gaining interest. Susan Davies, president of the foundation, reported that 120 women are already on the organization’s database, eager to explore this new model of affordable housing. The program’s growing popularity is fueled by its practical approach to solving two critical issues facing older women: housing insecurity and social isolation. Davies and her team have also been advocating for local Zonta clubs across Queensland to adopt and support this model. Zonta is a global organization dedicated to empowering women, and Davies believes their involvement will help expand the reach of Sharing With Friends into more communities.
Challenges on the Horizon
While the program is showing promise, there are still obstacles to overcome. Local planning laws and funding are two key challenges that need to be addressed before more homes can be built. However, with the support of community organizations and a growing interest in the concept, the team behind Sharing With Friends remains optimistic. They believe the program has the potential to reshape how housing is provided for older women, offering a long-term solution that combines financial stability with emotional support.
A Brighter Future for Older Women
Sharing With Friends offers more than just affordable housing—it offers hope. For women like Maggie and Barbara, the opportunity to invest in a home and a community provides a path forward in a housing market that has left them behind. By sharing both resources and emotional support, these women are not just securing a roof over their heads—they are building connections that will carry them through the challenges of aging.
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