Western Australia’s largest and most trusted emergency relief provider, the St Vincent de Paul Society, launched its 2016 Winter Appeal on 1 May, asking the community to ‘Re-think Homelessness’ this winter.
As he launched the 2016 Winter Appeal, St Vincent de Paul Society WA CEO Mark Fitzpatrick announced that, in the wake of Mother’s Day celebrations, it is worth noting that women in Australia are experiencing homelessness at rates more than double those of women in the United Kingdom.
Mr Fitzpatrick said the statistics were shocking and that Vinnies was working hard to meet the demand from women and children for support, and services to prevent or address homelessness.
“It is devastating that 59 per cent of Australians seeking help from homelessness services are women. That’s a significantly higher rate than the UK’s 26 per cent and the USA’s 38 per cent,” said Mr Fitzpatrick.
“What is even more chilling is the fact that the fastest growing demographic experiencing homelessness is women over 55. This totally dispels the myth that homelessness only affects younger men.
“I would ask people to think – would you feel it is acceptable to have your grandmother, mother or sister living in their car with nowhere to go?
“We are all too regularly providing a hand-up to women experiencing disadvantage and homelessness.
“We are hearing more and more stories from women over 50 who, after many years of loyal service, are made redundant or have faced the breakdown of the family unit and can no longer afford to pay high housing costs,” Mr Fitzpatrick added.
“These women are suddenly plunged into circumstances they thought were unimaginable: unable to find work or a home, they are forced to live off their life savings until they run dry. Then, in these desperate circumstances, they approach us for help and we work hard to prevent their homelessness and help them create a better future.”
Women and girls make up 59 per cent of homelessness services clients. Thirty-six per cent of these women have been affected by domestic and family violence and this is the number one reason why they are seeking support from Vinnies and other specialist homelessness services.
In the 2014-15 financial year, the Society assisted 40,000 people and provided $3 million worth of material assistance.
“As a result of the downturn in the economy, unfortunately, this year, Vinnies has seen demand exceed what we have expected by nearly 15 per cent,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“It is heart-breaking that the numbers we serve are increasing every year and that is why we rely on the generosity of the community. Without their compassion and financial contribution during our Winter Appeal, we would not be able to help men, women and children stay warm, fed and in a safe place.”
To donate to the Vinnies 2016 Winter Appeal and support their work in helping people in need, please visit www.vinnies.org.au.