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Over 18,000 people over the age of 55 are sleeping rough in Australia on any given night, including 2000 over the age of 75. They’re couch surfing, living in cars, staying in short term accommodation like boarding houses, or seeking shelter on the streets.

There are many reasons why some older people don’t have safe, secure housing. Relationship breakdown, loss of income, insufficient superannuation and poor health can sometimes be to blame. Whatever the reason, Age Matters is here to help.

Help to find safe housing

Last year we supported dozens of clients to find appropriate housing. They say we’ve changed their lives. We say they’ve changed ours.

The program enables us to help people who are over the age of 50 and are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. Application information can be found here.

This service is provided under the care finders program and supported by funding from COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Sustainable housing solutions

A small number of IRT’s retirement village units are allocated to support disadvantaged older people in-need. Retirement villages can be a good housing solution for vulnerable older people. They offer affordable housing in a community of like-minded people.

Applications to access Affordable and Social Housing in the Illawarra are available to Age Matters Homelessness Program clients. Age Matters takes the time to get to know our clients so we can match them with the right housing, in the right community, at an affordable cost. 

community vegetable garden

Help with settling in

Moving in can be a stressful time. We enjoy helping our clients to settle in and connect with their community. We can help link you to services that will support you to live independently.

We also regularly run donation drives for household goods. Good quality kitchen appliances, bedding and cleaning products are always in demand.

More housing for more people

Age Matters is working to increase the supply of affordable age-appropriate housing by seeking partners and investment. We are an approved Community Housing Provider and we continually explore innovative ways to partner with housing providers to develop sustainable and age-friendly accommodation options.

We also advocate to government to build more social and affordable housing that is appropriate for older people.

Support our work

Donate online, or register your interest to support an Age Matters donation drive or fundraising event.

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