Share House scheme for older women

A new group has come up with a creative solution to the region’s housing problem for older women.

The Share Housing for Older Women (SHOW) project, to be trialled on the Central Coast, would see women aged over 55 sharing rental homes to cut costs.

The project formed with the support of Action on Housing for Older Women (AHOW) and Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre and pilot members came together recently to get creative about solutions to the growing crisis in affordability of rental properties.

Spokesperson, Debbie Notara, said the group had secured funding from the Mercy Foundation to investigate the idea.

“We all know how much rents have increased, and how much electricity costs these days, not to mention the weekly shock of going to the supermarket,” she said.

“We thought that if older women could share rental costs then they’d be able to relax more and not stress about where they would live and how they’d cope.”

SHOW plans to meet with interested older women over 55 years who are currently renting or want to find somewhere to rent, talk to real estate agents and local housing providers and create some resources to support any older women who want to team up and rent a house together.

Annette Evans has taken on the role of SHOW Project Worker.

“This is an exciting pilot that can help like-minded older women aged 55 and over to meet and see if they could rent a place together,” she said.

“Apart from the financial benefits, there’s also the bonus of having support and connection with another woman.”

For details call Annette Evans on 0480 140 602.

Source:
Media release, Sep 7
Share Housing for Older Women