Older homeless people: pathways into and out of homelessness
Alan Morris, Bruce Judd, Kay Kavanagh and Yuvisthi Naidoo
School of Social Science and Policy, UNSW
Contact Email:   a.morrisunsw.edu.au

This AHURI funded study explores the situation of older homeless people in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. It investigates pathways into homelessness, the availability of housing and support options, and which of these are preferred and are most effective in assisting older homeless people towards sustainable solutions.

The research is based on 59 in-depth interviews with older people who are clients of the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA), a national survey of 46 ACHA agencies and interviews with 15 ACHA managers.

Two pathways into homelessness are evident - one due to long term itinerant/transient lifestyle patterns, and the other due to disruptive life events such as family, health or housing crisis. Poverty and lack of networks are also important. The role of policy is also fundamental, with the scarcity of affordable and adequate accommodation and support services being central factors contributing to homelessness.

In terms of housing preferences, two primary themes emerge - independence and security (both in terms of safety and security of tenure). A familiar location, convenient to services is also important. Appropriate support is critical to successful outcomes. The most common support required was for somebody to help with shopping, cleaning and meals.

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