By Luke Voogt
A north Geelong club is searching “as quickly as possible” for shelter for the fastest-growing group of homeless people – older women.
But after six months the Corio Norlane Lions Club has yet to find property to fill the “desperate” need, secretary Richard Walter said.
“We’ve looked at some rental properties, one in Corio and three in Norlane,” he said.
“They got snapped up pretty quickly.”
The club was seeking a property to house five homeless women aged over 50, Mr Walter said.
“We’ve got funds set aside that will definitely cover (the lease for) nine months.”
The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data in 2016 showed older women was the fastest-growing demographic of homeless people during the past five years.
“There is nothing in Geelong for that age group,” Mr Walter said.
The club had approached UnitingCare and Salvos Connect with the proposal, but neither organisation had properties to spare, he said.
“They think what we’re trying to do is a fantastic idea but they don’t have anything to offer us.
“If you talk with Salvos Connect they will tell you that a lot of people are turned away each week.”
The lack of availability in the north Geelong rental market made finding suitable property difficult, Mr Walter said.
The club required an approval from a majority of members before signing a lease which delayed its ability to find a property quickly, he added.
“It’s a matter of finding an owner who is community-minded and understands what we are trying to do.”
The club participates in the Lion’s national Road Home project by collecting winter items and hygiene products for the homeless.
But Mr Walter said the club needed to expand its efforts.
“We’ve seen the amount of people in need.”
Mr Walter said the club would cover insurance for the property and would station volunteers there at all times.
He understood the stigma surrounding the homeless could discourage landlords.
“But they’re pretty much the same as you and me,” he said.
“They’ve just fallen on tough times.”
The club’s recent purchase of its Norlane op shop gave Mr Walter hope for the project.
“If it works out we would look at possibly buying a property of our own to support this,” he said.
