The Better Together Housing Project*, supported by Sundale and Coast2Bay Housing Group recently won the prestigious Leading Innovation Award at the Institute’s Queensland gala event

The Better Together Housing Project helps independent women 55 years of age and above find shared accommodation on the Sunshine Coast.

Different to regular flatmate finder initiatives, the program helps senior women find suitable accommodation in a safe and secure way and links people who are interested in sharing a home, not just a house. 

Sundale CEO, Danielle Mackenzie said women aged 55 years and above are fastest growing cohort of homeless people in Australia.

“Circumstance and social policy mean many women enter retirement without savings or adequate levels of superannuation to supplement their pension,” Ms Mackenzie said.

“The Better Together Housing Project is helping solve this problem by linking women through a web-based platform, and cultivating these new relationships via regular catch ups.

“Already 73 women are participating in the initiative, with plans in place to grow the home sharing concept across the Sunshine Coast.

“In addition to alleviating a financial burden, the Better Together Housing Project is also reducing loneliness for many women.”

Coast2Bay Housing Group’s Operations Manager, Lee Banfield said the Australasian Housing Institute award recognised a lot of hard work.

“It’s really exciting to win such a prestigious Award and illustrates the strong collaborative nature we have with Sundale in bringing the Better Together Project to the Sunshine Coast community,” Ms Banfield said. 

“We now look forward to attending the Australasian Housing Institute Awards Gala Dinner in August and hopefully winning the national award.”

Sundale serves the elders of the Sunshine Coast and beyond with vibrant retirement communities and specialised services from people who care.

Sundale has been caring for its elders for the past five decades through Retirement Communities, Care Centres, In-Home care, Rehabilitation and Childcare.

Coast2Bay Housing Group is an independent, not-for-profit company committed to providing affordable safe and appropriate homes to individuals and families throughout the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Moreton Bay, Redcliffe and Gympie regions.

*The Better Together Housing Project was initially funded by the Queensland Government.