The new face of homelessness is not what you would expect. Many are now women who have had a good education, typically a mother, who once had a career, and maybe even once owned a home. Women over 55 are the fastest growing group in our homeless communities, with millions predicted to experience housing problems in the coming decade.
Many middle aged women, find they are now single, with no savings for retirement, and no likelihood of regaining employment. Having had caring responsibilities, interrupted careers, and a marriage breakdown, the effects compound as they age. Even young single mothers, can find that it is increasingly difficult to rent an apartment. with agents worried about the ability to pay rent.
After separation or divorce it can be a very difficult time for women, as they may have no access to their ex partners savings, and limited or no child support. Financial settlements can take years to be resolved, many women consider they are not really homeless, rather temporarily affected by circumstances.
Good quality social housing needs to be a priority for the tidal waves of women, finding themselves without housing. Protection of women who flee domestic violence should also be a reason for increased social housing.
*free use photograph from google "social housing"