Blankets for the homeless
In October, Resthaven Program Managers made 17 blankets for older women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The activity was part of a team building exercise at the annual Program Managers’ conference.
‘Almost 15,000 older Australians experience homelessness or are at risk of homelessness due to lack of affordable housing, shortage of public housing, closure of private boarding houses and caravan parks,’ says Sue McKechnie, Executive Manager Community Services.
‘Homelessness in older age has a profound impact on wellbeing: mental, physical and emotional health, the loss of social networks, vulnerability to physical violence and a loss of a sense of place in society.’
‘Resthaven recently commissioned the University of South Australia to conduct research and prepare a report: The risk of homelessness for older women in South Australia’ (Beer, A. and Spork, N. 2018).
‘This report indicated that there is a growing demand by older women in tenuous housing situations for supported accommodation. There was a 31% increase in the number of homeless women between Census 2011 and 2016.’
‘Resthaven provides advocacy and linking services to people aged over 50 years, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, Assistance with Care and Housing service.’
‘In 2017–18, we supported more than 100 people through this service: liaising with public housing representatives and private rental landlords, linking people with relevant services, and supporting people in seeking alternative housing situations or resolving issues such as hoarding or tenancy disputes.’
‘These services resonate with Resthaven’s values of trust, dignity and choice. We acknowledge and understand the causes and consequences of poverty, and provide equity in access to aged care services to all older people, including those people with reduced financial means.’
‘As Christmas approaches, it is food for thought.’
‘The blankets will be distributed to charities to give to people in need.’