Over 50s women adopt ‘Golden Girls’ solution to housing crisis
MELBOURNE: For almost a decade, Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia shared a home and some laughs as The Golden Girls. Now, life imitates art as the Hollyburn Society launches Hidden Housing Solutions.
The program matches local seniors in need for affordable housing with others in the 55-plus age bracket who have spare bedrooms. Hollyburn screens potential housemates, makes introductions and helps sort out the legalities.
This program has tremendous potential. Almost half of the North Shore’s 29,000 single-family homes have only one or two people living in them. It means empty nesters’ empty bedrooms may be one of the biggest untapped resources in the housing crisis, right under our noses. And while there are daunting waitlists for subsidized seniors’ housing and scarce funding for new projects, this could provide new homes with almost no lead time or capital expense involved.
Of course, a monthly rent cheque can help a person on a fixed income keep and maintain the home they love, but we foresee even greater benefits. Social isolation is now an a epidemic among seniors in Canada who live alone. Research tells us they are at much higher risk of suffering mental illness, declining health outcomes and dementia. This program may provide companionship and peace of mind, which you cannot put a price on.
Hidden Housing Solutions won’t be for everyone, but we believe strongly it can provide an enriching experience for many and we give it our strongest endorsement. Hollyburn is a trustworthy and conscientious non-profit with a sterling record in our community.
For those who worry about their silver years, this could be a golden opportunity.