When Alison stumbled into the world of housing advocacy through a simple volunteer opportunity, she uncovered a shocking reality: 405,000 Australian women aged 45+ are at risk of homelessness, with older women over 65 being the fastest-growing homeless demographic. But rather than accept this crisis as inevitable, Alison and the team at Sharing with Friends are pioneering an innovative co-housing solution that creates both security and community for women in the "missing middle" - those who aren't poor enough for social housing but can't afford to buy their own home.
Key Takeaways
The Hidden Crisis is Real and Growing
With only 0.1% of private rentals affordable on the age pension, single older women face an impossible housing market. The stereotype of homelessness doesn't capture the reality—many at-risk women are educated, previously housed, and never saw this coming.
The "Missing Middle" Needs New Solutions
Women with modest savings (around $100,000) fall through the cracks—too much wealth for social housing eligibility but insufficient funds to purchase property. Traditional housing models don't serve this significant population, creating an urgent need for innovative approaches that bridge the gap between crisis accommodation and home ownership.
Co-housing Offers Security Plus Community
Sharing with Friends' model brings five women together in purpose-built accommodation where each has their own studio unit plus shared common areas. With a 50-year lease structure, women gain lifetime housing security while building meaningful connections that combat the loneliness epidemic affecting single older women.
Prevention Beats Crisis Response
Rather than waiting until women are homeless, early intervention models can identify and support those at risk. Understanding your assets, building superannuation, and planning for potential single life creates options before crisis hits. Small consistent actions compound over time to create security.
Systemic Change Requires Multiple Players
Government recognition of co-housing models, streamlined planning approvals, and funding support are essential for scaling solutions. But change also needs community advocates, professional pro bono support, and private donors willing to invest in preventive models rather than just crisis responses.
Moving Forward
The biggest tragedy isn't that older women face housing insecurity; it's that we have the knowledge and models to prevent it but lack the will to act at scale. Whether you're feeling vulnerable about your own housing future or secure in your current situation, this issue demands attention. If you're at risk, reach out to your state's housing support services and take control of your financial future.
For Women Needing Housing Help
Queensland: Housing Older Women's Support Service https://howss.org.au/
Victoria: Home at Last https://www.oldertenants.org.au/home_at_last
NSW: Older Womens Network NSW: https://ownnsw.org.au/
Sharing with Friends
Website https://www.sharingwithfriends.org/
Donation page https://shoutforgood.com/charities/sharing-with-friends
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/821207472091664/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharing_with_friends_cohousing/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharing-with-friends-foundation/
Alison's business website https://wellthyco.com/
Connect with me
Book your 20-minute connection call https://calendly.com/jo--138/20min?month=2025-07
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Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/
Email me your success story at jo@joclarkcoaching.com.
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Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.