About the Guest:

Annabelle Daniel is the CEO of Women’s Community Shelters, an organization dedicated to providing safe crisis accommodation for women and children experiencing homelessness or domestic and family violence. With a background in social work, Annabelle has been working in the field for over a decade, advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable women. She is passionate about creating holistic solutions and support networks for those in need. 

Episode Summary: 

In this episode, Janet and Amelia discuss the growing issue of homelessness among women over 50 in Australia with Annabelle Daniel, CEO of Women’s Community Shelters. They explore the factors that contribute to this trend, such as financial vulnerability, domestic and family violence, and lack of affordable housing. Annabelle highlights the various forms of homelessness beyond street homelessness and emphasises the importance of safe and supportive accommodation for women in crisis. She also discusses the challenges faced by women in accessing government services and the need for a holistic approach to address their complex needs. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Women over 50 are the fastest-growing cohort of homeless people in Australia, with financial vulnerability and domestic violence being significant contributing factors. 
• Homelessness is not limited to street homelessness; it includes situations where women are sleeping in cars, couch-surfing, or living in overcrowded or unsafe environments. 
• The journey out of homelessness is a long-term process that requires not only safe accommodation but also professional support, community wraparound services, and access to government resources. 
• There is a need for more crisis accommodation shelters and transitional housing options to meet the growing demand and provide immediate support for women in crisis. 
• Creative solutions, such as utilizing unoccupied properties or repurposing existing buildings, can help address the immediate need for safe accommodation while long-term solutions are being developed. 

Notable Quotes: 

• “Crisis can happen very slowly and then all at once. It might only take one event to tip somebody over into homelessness.” - Annabelle Daniel 
• “Being able to stay in your home in the short term doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe or affordable in the long term.” - Annabelle Daniel 
• “Isolation is a significant risk for women experiencing homelessness, as abusers often work to cut off their social networks.” - Annabelle Daniel 
• “We need pragmatic solutions for people who are homeless tonight, while also advocating for long-term housing initiatives.” - Annabelle Daniel 

• “Women over 55 often don’t define themselves as homeless, but they may be entitled to support and services they never imagined they could access.” - Annabelle Daniel 

Resources: 

• Women’s Community Shelters 

Be sure to listen to the full episode for an in-depth view into the issue of homelessness. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from “She Wasn’t Born Yesterday.” 

For more episodes and insightful conversations, follow our podcast and join us on our journey to explore life’s thrills and complexities for women over 40.