Inquiry into homelessness amongst older people aged over 55 in New South Wales - New South Wales Parliament Legislative Council Standing Committee on Social Issues - June 2022
Overview
The Salvation Army’s submission to the NSW Legislative Council’s Inquiry into homelessness amongst older people aged over 55 highlights the growing crisis of housing insecurity and homelessness in this demographic, particularly among older women. Drawing on extensive frontline experience and service data, the submission outlines the systemic drivers of homelessness, including housing unaffordability, inadequate social housing supply, ageism, elder abuse, and the impacts of family and domestic violence.
The submission calls for a renewed and more inclusive NSW Homelessness Strategy post-2023, aligned with broader housing and social policy frameworks. It also advocates for a National Housing and Homelessness Strategy to address the structural issues beyond the capacity of state governments alone.
Key Points
- Rising Homelessness Among Older People: Over 18,000 Australians aged 55+ were homeless in 2016, with NSW accounting for 34% of this group. Older women are the fastest-growing cohort, often experiencing ‘hidden homelessness’.
- Drivers of Homelessness: Key factors include unaffordable private rentals, long social housing waitlists, financial insecurity, elder abuse, and the aftermath of family and domestic violence.
- Service Gaps and Challenges: Older people face difficulties navigating homelessness services due to ageism, stigma, and lack of tailored support. There is a shortage of age-appropriate housing and wrap-around services, especially for those with complex health needs.
- Recommendations:
- Develop a successor NSW Homelessness Strategy with a focus on older people.
- Increase social and affordable housing supply, with co-designed, age-appropriate features.
- Expand programs like ‘Staying Home, Leaving Violence’ and improve integration between aged care, health, and homelessness services.
- Invest in financial literacy and elder abuse prevention initiatives.
- Improve data collection and early intervention through community touchpoints.