Older women are the fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness in Australia - a trend that is staggering and avoidable.

In response, local organisations are stepping up.

Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI) and the South Illawarra Older Women's Network (SIOWN) last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising their commitment to work together to address the issue in the region.

The agreement marks the continuation of 12 months of collaboration between the organisations, with a focus on providing practical support, resources and advocacy for older women at risk of homelessness, housing stress, and domestic violence.

The partnership is already making an impact.

SIOWN recently donated $3000 from funds raised at a Kiama community event centred on older women’s homelessness.

The event featured a screening of the short film “Francis” and was run in collaboration with SAHSSI and Kiama Community Radio.

These funds will go directly to women in the region - particularly those leaving domestic violence situations or facing urgent housing challenges.

Looking ahead, SAHSSI, SIOWN, KCR, and The Bugle are working together to develop a hub in the Kiama area dedicated to older women in crisis.

The hub aims to be a safe, accessible place where women can find not only immediate assistance but also the long-term support needed to rebuild their lives.

With the cost of living and housing pressures continuing to rise, the work of local organisations like SAHSSI and SIOWN is more important than ever.

“Together, we can do anything,” SAHSSI Chief Executive Officer Penny Dordoy said.