The Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance, auspiced by Knox City Council, has received $180,000 in Victorian Government funding for a project to prevent homelessness among older women.
Knox Mayor Cr Susan Laukens said the project aims to prevent homelessness among those who are most at risk.
"Single women over 55 are the fastest growing cohort of people experiencing homelessness in the eastern metropolitan region," she said.
"This project will explore lived experiences of women over 55 and identify service gaps in the region. It will help identify critical points at which intervention may help keep older women safe from homelessness.
"The project findings will be used to inform all levels of government about preventive approaches and alternative housing models for women over 55 that could be delivered locally and across the eastern region."
The Preventing Homelessness in Older Women Project is being undertaken by the Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance, which also includes Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges councils.
Since 2017, the alliance has advised government on the shortfall in social and affordable housing across the region. There is currently a shortfall of 9,400 dwellings, which will increase to 11,800 by 2032 unless action is taken.
Rising rents in the private rental market, living alone, working part-time, having little savings, and being from a non-English speaking country or Indigenous are among the factors placing older women at greater risk of homelessness.
The $180,000 was provided under the Victorian Government's Metropolitan Partnerships Development Fund.
