Women are among the fastest-growing cohorts experiencing homelessness in Australia, and yet the availability of housing remains insufficient to meet their needs. As a result, many women endure prolonged periods without stable accommodation. In New South Wales, approximately 65,000 people are currently on the housing waitlist, with a substantial portion being women, according to Women’s Housing Company CEO Nada Nasser.
The Women’s Housing Company is a Tier 1-registered provider of community housing and homelessness services to women in NSW. The company has been operating for 42 years and manages over 1,200 properties, including affordable housing, social housing, transitional accommodation and crisis accommodation.
At the 7th National Housing and Homelessness Forum, Nada Nasser will be sharing strategies for prioritising delivery solutions to women’s homelessness. In an exclusive interview, she gave Third Sector an overview of her upcoming session.
What are the main drivers of homelessness for women?
Domestic and family violence is a leading cause of homelessness among women, affecting women with or without children across all age groups—from young women to older women. At the same time, a lack of safe and affordable housing and accommodation options is often a reason women stay in a violent relationship.
Financial insecurity and the cost of living are other significant factors. It’s almost impossible for a single woman or a single parent on a low income to find an affordable private rental in NSW. As a result, many women resort to insecure or inadequate housing, such as renting a space in someone’s home, living in their car or other arrangements that can expose them to safety risks and social isolation.
Older single women not in homeownership are especially at risk of homelessness. Most cannot afford private rental and meet their basic needs if they are living on the aged pension with little or no superannuation to supplement their income.
Mental health and wellbeing also contribute to homelessness. Women who have experienced chronic homelessness may face premature ageing and have complex support needs. Some fall through the gaps between existing service systems, struggling to access mental health, disability or aged care support. These challenges can lead to an inability to afford rent, maintain relationships with neighbours, manage bills and sustain a tenancy. In some cases, even women living with family may become homeless due to family conflict or overcrowding.
How can we develop solutions for low- and moderate-income women experiencing housing hardship?
Housing is more than just shelter—it is a foundation for security, independence and empowerment. Effective solutions must be grounded on the voices and needs of women, recognising their diverse experiences and barriers to stable housing. A one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective.
Housing models must be tailored to support women’s long-term stability and growth, including options that promote social connection, financial resilience and access to services that empower them to rebuild their lives. Solutions should extend along a continuum of care, ranging from crisis accommodation to long-term affordable housing, with interventions designed for different stages of vulnerability.
How can we support women of all ages in securing safe, stable housing for themselves and their children?
Increasing the supply of social and affordable housing is the key. Equally important is expanding crisis and transitional accommodation for women who need a supported pathway to independent housing. We have welcomed both state and federal government commitments to increase social housing as well as crisis and transitional accommodation.
The ultimate solution is securing permanent, long-term housing that empowers women to thrive. The Housing First approach focuses on providing stable housing as the foundation for accessing support and other programs. Housing First is coupled with wrap-around support services that help women recover, connect and thrive.
At the National Housing and Homelessness Forum, I will discuss various Housing First models, including the Together Home program, which provides intensive support along with housing to help homeless women secure and sustain long-term housing. I will also discuss models that create connected and supported senior communities utilising the New Generation Boarding House program. These properties consist of small housing clusters, typically with 8 to 10 studio apartments, where women can live alongside one another. Community spaces and gardens enable community engagement programs that promote social connection and wellbeing.
Is there anything else you’d like to highlight?
It is crucial to prioritise specialised housing solutions that address the unique needs of women, including older women, young women, women with support needs and domestic violence survivors.
Housing solutions should go beyond providing shelter—they must be designed to empower women, helping them regain control over their lives, develop financial resilience and have supportive community connections.
More broadly, Australia faces an acute shortage of social and affordable housing, and all levels of government and community housing providers have an important role to play in closing the current gap and meeting future demand.
Join Nada Nasser at this year’s National Housing and Homelessness Forum to explore successful models of housing and support for women. Secure your spot for the forum now.
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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