The Marrickville affordable housing project is a pioneering initiative to address the pressing issue of homelessness among older women, aged 55 and over, in Australia. Good Shepherd is building around 40 safe and affordable dwellings in Marrickville, New South Wales, specifically designed to provide a home for women experiencing vulnerability.

Older women aged 55 and over represent one of the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness in Australia. Current housing solutions are insufficient in terms of both quantity and design. The Marrickville affordable housing project aims to tackle this problem head-on by providing a dignified and secure living environment for these women.

Every night, over 97,000 women do not have a safe place to live.

Mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties.

They could be fleeing domestic violence or just priced out of the rental market.
In 2021-22, 48,627 women and children affected by family and domestic violence experienced homelessness.

22,923 women were living in severely crowded dwellings – that’s a home that doesn’t have a bedroom for at least four of the people living there.
Over 2,500 women sleep rough every night – in tents or cars or on the streets.

Women 55+ are one of the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness.
Each and every night, at least 13,476 women 55 and over don’t have a safe place to live.

Women in Greater Western Sydney wait 2 1/2 years for social housing – some much longer. That’s why we’re raising $40m for safe, affordable homes for older women in Marrickville. And that’s just the start.

At June 2022, 174,600 households are waiting to be allocated public housing (up from 154,600 at June 2014). 13,700 households on a waiting list for specialist indigenous housing (up from 8,000 at June 2014). Long wait times persist across the country. For example, 36% of priority applicants for social housing in Victoria wait at least one year.

Overall, in 2021, 215,680 people were living in temporary, improvised, overcrowded or other unsafe housing.

The number of people experiencing homelessness increased by 6,067 people – an increase of 5.2% since the last Census in 2016.

Of those experiencing homelessness in 2021:

• 55.9% were male, an increase of 1.6% from 201644.1% were female, an increase of 10.1% from 2016.
• Females accounted for 81.7% of the total increase of people experiencing homelessness in 2021.

For every 10,000 people in Australia, there are roughly 42 women and 55 men experiencing homelessness. The rate of homelessness decreased for men and increased for women since 2016.

Sources:
ABS Census 2021
NSW Dept of Communities & Justice, Sept 2023
AIHW, SHS data, Persistent Homelessness, 2021-22
AIHM, Housing Assistance in Australia, June 2022
VIC Gov’t, Social Housing Allocations, 2019-2020

What sets this project apart is its co-design approach. Women from an older demographic with lived experience of housing vulnerability are actively participating in shaping the project. This ensures that the housing solution aligns with the specific needs and aspirations of these women and the Marrickville community.

The Marrickville affordable housing project goes beyond providing shelter. It includes wrap-around health, support, and well-being services tailored to address the unique needs of older women in the community. The project aims to create a holistic support system to allow older women to lead full and dignified lives.

Good Shepherd have invested significantly in this project and are looking to raise a total of $40m to provide a community of safe places to call home. Your donation will directly support the Marrickville affordable housing project, contributing to the construction of these homes for women experiencing vulnerability.

Our project aims to contribute to a more inclusive neighbourhood by offering secure housing to older women who may otherwise face homelessness. By alleviating the housing challenges faced by this specific group, we aim to enhance the community’s well-being and diversity.

Yes, the Marrickville affordable housing project values the input of the local community. We encourage you to actively participate in shaping the project to address your concerns and needs.

You can support the Marrickville affordable housing project by making a donation to Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand. Your generous contribution will go directly to building these homes for women who need them the most. You can find more information on our website on how to make a donation.

You can stay informed about the project’s progress and developments by visiting our website. We will regularly provide updates on the project, fundraising efforts, and milestones achieved.

For more information and any inquiries about the Marrickville affordable housing project, you can email Good Shepherd. We are always happy to answer your questions and provide further details.

For support with emergency or temporary housing, please visit Ask Izzy .

For info on the government’s National Rental Affordability Scheme please visit DSS Housing Support .

If you’re in danger, please call 000.

If you need support with family and domestic violence or sexual abuse, please call 1800RESPECT or visit 1800respect.org.au . You can also live chat with someone on this site.