Thousands of older South Australians could become homeless without government intervention because of
SPECIAL REPORT: More than 4500 elderly South Australians are spending a third of their income trying to keep a roof over their head, a new report has found.
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MORE than 4500 elderly South Australians are spending a third of their income trying to keep a roof over their head, a new report has found.
The alarming figures have prompted calls for immediate intervention from the State Government, including targeted assistance and a greater focus on age as a factor when considering public housing applications.
South Australia’s Council of the Ageing has warned that without the necessary steps, a growing number of people aged 65 and over will resort to couch surfing or sleeping in their cars.
The Ageing on the Edge project report reveals the number of South Australians aged 65 and over experiencing financial housing stress — paying more than 30 per cent of their income — has increased 48 per cent in five years from 3141 to about 4645.
The Finding a Suitable Home for Older People at Risk of Homelessness in SA report, obtained exclusively by the Sunday Mail, also shows 1270 are spending more than 50 per cent of their income to keep a roof over their heads.
It states that, by 2031, 26.5 per cent of SA’s population will be aged over 65 — up from 15.4 per cent in 2017 — and place further pressure on affordable housing opportunities.
Council on the Ageing chief executive Jane Mussared has urged the State Government to adopt a several recommendations in the report including:
DATA mapping evidence to prioritise targeted assistance to this group in areas where there are high numbers of vulnerable older renters at risk of homelessness;
REVIEW eligibility guidelines for public and community housing to ensure the vulnerability factors affecting older people at risk of homelessness are incorporated into priority housing guidelines;
INVESTIGATE the feasibility of establishing a one-stop-shop for an older persons information, advocacy and referral service;
DEVELOP an Older Persons Housing Strategy with long-term planning for an adequate supply of affordable, appropriately designed and located affordable housing in all communities of SA.
“For some people a sudden inability to pay rent will follow the death of a partner or separation,” Ms Mussared said.
“With short notice periods to vacate, it is important people know where they can go for help in such crisis situations.
“The government has the opportunity to do something; but the time is now. We urge the State Government to follow the lead of other states, which have already recognised the risk to their population and their budgets, and have used the Ageing on the Edge data to establish strategies around affordable housing and ageing.”
In metropolitan Adelaide, the greatest number and proportion of low-income households paying more than 30 per cent of their income in rent were in the Onkaparinga Council area.
In regional South Australia, the greatest proportion and number of low income households paying unaffordable rents were in the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island areas.
Social Housing minister Zoe Bettison said the State Government would carefully consider the recommendations.
“I am acutely aware that older South Australians, many on fixed incomes and with limited or no superannuation, can face housing uncertainty,” she said. “Age is also one of the significant factors taken into account when assessing someone for public housing support.
“As a result, people over the age of 55 make up 60 per cent of public housing lead tenants, while the same cohort makes up just 29 per cent of the overall population.
“In addition, more than 6500 private rental bonds are currently issued to people over 55.”
Vietnam vet lived on bread and water to pay the rent
VIETNAM veteran Ian Porteus knows how to do it tough.
But, over the past few years, finding a way to get by when he was paying 65 per cent of his income on rent was tough going.
“It was a struggle,” Mr Porteous told the Sunday Mail. “I was living on bread and water, and, being a diabetic, I was having all sorts of troubles.
“I wanted to buy vegetables but often the price was out of my reach.”
The 65-year-old, who was receiving $320 a week in benefits, was paying $210 a week for a poorly maintained private rental property.
“The lounge room floor was collapsing as it was infested by cockroaches,” he said.
“One of the bathroom walls was severely cracked and ready to fall down.”
Power prices were constantly on his mind so he would read books or watch television in the dark.
“I would only put the heater on when I really had to,” he said.
Mr Porteus, who lives alone after splitting from his second wife, is now happily living in a Housing SA property
at Salisbury North, enjoying rent of about $85 week and a secure lease.
He secured the property after he sought assistance from an Assistance with Care and Housing (ACH) worker at Salisbury Council.
The former truck driver would like some more room for his stuff but is much happier with his current circumstances.
“Finally I can see some light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
How to get help
■ For support or advice regarding housing contact The Ageing on the Edge Project on 0417 117 232 or email jeff.fiedler@oldertenant.org.au
■ For support or advice regarding concessions call the ConcessionsSA Hotline on 1800 307 758
■ For support or advice on financial management contact the Commonwealth Financial Counselling program on 1800 007 007