Andrea Sharam, Swinburne University of Technology, Institute for Social Research
This multi-faceted project responds to the serious decline in housing affordability (purchase and rental) and the chronic under-supply of housing in Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria (Australia). Increasing housing costs are a primary factor in the impoverishment of low income groups. In particular, older single women have emerged a new cohort vulnerable to homelessness later in life. Women’s life time lower earnings and the unequal division of care between men and women results in many single women having inadequate retirement incomes. This includes middle class women who are increasingly losing their middle class status despite high educational attainment.
The project explores experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity, and new housing models aimed at providing affordable options.
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