A vacant Central Coast aged care home that was transformed into transitional housing for older women experiencing homelessness has helped 82 per cent of its residents move into safe, permanent homes.
This rate of supporting women into permanent homes is well above the sector average of around 60 per cent.
Allawah House has operated for four years as a “meanwhile use” temporary housing initiative, successfully transforming a vacant buillding to support 45 women over the age of 55 to live with stability and safety.
On average, women stayed at Allawah House for 57 weeks, with the women reporting improved wellbeing outcomes, stronger connections to support services and the community, and better confidence navigating a complex housing system.
The housing initiative led by Women’s Community Shelters provided almost 15,000 safe bed nights for women on the Central Coast.
“Homelessness does not always look the way people expect. For many older women, it begins with family violence, a relationship breakdown, financial hardship or the loss of a home they thought they would grow old in,” said Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women’s Community Shelters.
“It can happen quietly, and far more quickly than people realise. These are women who have worked, raised families, cared for others and contributed to their communities. Yet too many find themselves without a safe or affordable place to call home.”
Daniel said Australia should work to unlock more of the vacant buildings we already have to provide safety to those who need it.
“Allawah House shows what’s possible when vacant buildings are repurposed to provide safe housing and trauma-informed support. Women don’t just find a place to stay, they are supported to establish permanent housing, regain stability and rebuild their lives.”
Allawah House came to be through a partnership between Women’s Community Shelters, Pacific Link Housing, BEA Projects and the NSW Government.
Since 2022, it has operated at just over $75 per bed night, a fraction of the Women’s Community Shelters average crisis shelter bed night cost of $130, and well below the NSW sector average for temporary accommodation ($165).
Liesl Tesch MP, the NSW state member for Gosford, said the housing crisis requires practical solutions like what’s been achieved at Allawah House.
“Allawah House shows that when government works alongside community organisations and the private sector, we can respond quickly to urgent housing need while creating pathways to lasting housing security. This meanwhile use project is proof that innovation, collaboration and local partnerships can change lives.”
Feature image credit: Allawah House.