As Australia marks Homelessness week, a Canberra charity is building a purpose-built home for those most at risk — designed to give tenants freedom and independence, as well as the support of a community.

Across the country, women aged over 55 are currently the fastest-growing demographic of people experiencing homelessness.

But Canberra's YWCA is working to change that, by building a new fit-for-purpose home in the suburb of Ainslie.

The build, part of YWCA's yhomes project, centred around the concept of independent but shared living.

The house will be made up of 10 standalone units, each equipped with its own kitchen and courtyard, but also sharing a communal green space.

YWCA said the units would be specifically built for women over 50, with a few set aside for women with children fleeing domestic violence.

The design was also created in consultation with women who will be living at the home. 

The build is expected to be completed by 2023. 

Go to ABC News for full article and to learn more. 

Posted Sat 7 Aug 2021 at 8:42am by Antoinette Radford