Housing First

A secure roof over one’s head is the starting point. It is a fundamental human right, ensuring personal dignity and a haven for oneself. It should be universally available and affordable for all income levels.

Personal Mentoring

A roof alone is often not enough to break the cycle of homelessness. There is a psychological cycle of loss of hope which needs attention. A personal mentor is trained to give support only to the extent requested by the resident. They are not a case manager; they are not a social worker; they are a friend giving support in a time of need.

What will the community look like?

Informal conversations with older women facing homelessness reveal that their preference is to live in a secure, comfortable home that offers privacy as well as opportunities for connection with others. Most prefer to live where they have existing personal networks and are connected to professional services with which they are familiar. Being able to live in one’s community of choice is a high priority.

Along with the desire for private living space many women actively seek connection with other women, both older and younger. Roofs to Recovery is focussing on delivering transitional community housing for older women, but there are also plans to develop a community of single pregnant women on an adjoining block. It is envisaged that the connection between generations which will flow from the proximity of these two communities will have major benefits for both groups of women. A support worker will support both cohorts of residents.

In all instances decisions regarding the level of support and the type of support required will be steered by the resident themselves. The life experience and independence of the older women is to be respected and they will hold the reins in determining what supports are put in place.

Housing security is inextricably linked with financial security, so we will work with residents to promote their financial well-being and raise their opportunities to secure stable housing into the future. This will include connecting residents with employment services and advocating with local businesses for the employment for older women.