Woman Property Intiatives
We create new beginnings for women and children at risk of homelessness by providing permanent and affordable homes, access to support networks and ongoing advocacy.
In Australia 54,000 women are homeless every night
Our renter, Jo, was one of them. Jo is a talented artist, but her income was irregular and often low. She simply couldn’t afford secure housing of her own. She started house-sitting – minding peoples’ pets while they went on holiday and couch-surfing at friends’ places. The constant stress and anxiety of finding shelter took a terrible toll on her mental health. “I was hopping from one sofa to the next… it was awful,” she says, recalling her lowest moment when she couldn’t afford food and didn’t know where her next meal would come from.
Then Jo was offered hope. Through her connection to Matrix Guild, a long term supporter of ours, Jo was offered a WPI home and In 2017 she moved into her own one-bedroom apartment.
“Since I’ve been living here my mental health has improved and I feel like me again. When I was homeless, I was stressed, agitated… I didn’t feel like me anymore. I didn’t even know who I was. These days I appreciate everything I have – hot water, fresh food that’s not out of a bin, my lovely window that lets in the sunlight. Every day when I come home I say “Hello Jo’s flat”. It sounds silly but it’s my home and I will never take that for granted.”
With stable housing, Jo has now become an advocate for homeless women, working to raise awareness of the issues surrounding older women’s homelessness. She is living in one of the newest WPI homes because issues with her mobility made the stairs to her original apartment very difficult. She is absolutely loving it and has made really important connections in her community. “Now I am properly living, rather than just existing.” Jo said.
A stable and affordable home is the foundation for a happy and health life and that’s why we are committed to opening the doors to more homes for vulnerable women.
Our Lastest News
Edward Wilson Estate House
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Annisa’s Story
Published on:Annisa and her 11-year-old daughter quietly left their home one day, with only what they could pack in a couple of suitcases. Her husband, Olivia’s father, had been verbally abusive and controlling for over a decade. He was very charming in front of others and their friends did not realise what Annisa was going through. … Read moreRead more of the post “Annisa’s Story”
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Fabrication commences on The Nest
Published on:Exciting steps have been made on the Nest in Victoria’s North East. Contracts have been signed with our appointed building partner, Modular Spaces, a building permit about to be issued and fabrication has commenced. We expect very rapid progress in the coming months with in factory construction underway on these innovative modular homes designed by … Read moreRead more of the post “Fabrication commences on The Nest”
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Retirement celebration for Jeanette Large
Published on:This week we held a retirement celebration for the wonderful Jeanette Large, who has been the driving force behind WPI for 19 years. This gathering, attended by family, friends, colleagues, supporters and the WPI team, including our Board and new CEO, Roberta Buchanan, was a chance for us to thank Jeanette for everything she has … Read moreRead more of the post “Retirement celebration for Jeanette Large”