An 82-year-old woman named Jan Allen found herself unexpectedly homeless in July 2022 after experiencing a family breakdown. Having worked as a primary school teacher for almost five decades and raised four children, she suddenly faced the harsh reality of losing her secure home in Charmhaven. Jan’s story is a poignant reminder of the vulnerability faced by older women in such situations, where stability can unravel swiftly.
Jan’s experience is not unique, as statistics show a concerning trend of increasing homelessness among women over 55 in Australia. The 2021 Census revealed a 6.6% rise in the number of older women experiencing homelessness, reaching 7325 individuals. This demographic shift underscores the pressing need for tailored support and accommodation options to address the unique challenges faced by older women in crisis.
In response to this growing need, a former aged care facility in Mount Hutton, Lake Macquarie, has been transformed into Lakeside Haven, a specialized shelter designed to provide safe and supported accommodation for women over 55. This initiative, spearheaded by Pacific Link Housing and Women’s Community Shelters, offers 20 fully refurbished studio units to offer a lifeline to women like Jan Allen who find themselves without a home.
Lakeside Haven represents a significant milestone in addressing homelessness in Lake Macquarie, offering not just shelter but a sense of community and dignity to its residents. With communal lounges, kitchens, and gardens, the facility aims to create a nurturing environment where women can rebuild their lives and regain a sense of stability and security.
Government funding of over $550,000 has been instrumental in bringing Lakeside Haven to fruition, covering essential costs such as fit-out, refurbishment, operational expenses, and support staff. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling complex social issues like homelessness, showcasing what can be achieved when organizations join forces for a common cause.
Minister for Women and Seniors, Jodie Harrison, emphasized the critical role of initiatives like Lakeside Haven in addressing the root causes of homelessness among older women. Factors such as marriage breakdowns, domestic violence, and financial insecurity can significantly contribute to women finding themselves without a home, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support services.
The opening of Lakeside Haven marks a significant step in leveraging existing infrastructure to address pressing social needs, exemplifying a “meanwhile use” approach to repurpose underutilized buildings for community benefit. By converting the former Anglicare site into a haven for vulnerable women, the project not only provides practical solutions but also symbolizes a broader commitment to social welfare and inclusivity.
As Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz aptly noted, the establishment of Lakeside Haven serves as a testament to the community’s compassion and commitment to supporting those in need. By repurposing a vacant facility to cater to the specific needs of homeless women, the project embodies the spirit of solidarity and empathy that is crucial in addressing homelessness and social inequities.
Lakeside Haven’s focus on creating aesthetically pleasing and functional living spaces underscores the importance of design in fostering healing and empowerment. By collaborating with organizations like Temple & Webster to furnish the shelter, the project aims to create an environment that promotes wellbeing and dignity, recognizing the transformative power of beautiful surroundings in the journey towards recovery.
Overall, Lakeside Haven represents a beacon of hope for older women facing homelessness in Lake Macquarie, offering not just physical shelter but a supportive community where residents can rebuild their lives with dignity and respect. Through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, initiatives like Lakeside Haven demonstrate the potential for positive change when communities come together to address pressing social challenges.
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