08/09/2026
I’m taking part in the Live Like Her Challenge this Thursday night to support women over 55 experiencing homelessness, often hidden, often overlooked, and growing faster than any other group in Australia.
They are known as the ‘hidden homeless’. Women who may be couch surfing, living in cars, or quietly slipping through the cracks. This could be someone’s mother, grandmother, sister, or friend.
Homelessness has always been a cause that I am passionate about. The first story I wrote as a student journalist 22 years ago was an investigation into youth homelessness on the Gold Coast. Ten years later my husband and I and our 2 year old lost everything in a house fire overnight and had it not been for the generosity & support of our family, friends and charities we may have been homeless. We found ourselves certainly homeless that day in the weeks following while we rebuilt our life.
When my parents divorced my mother decided to walk away from her marriage with nothing financially, and had it not been for the generosity of her own mother at 60 years old she may have been one of these statistics. She had not worked in years, instead she was the main carer for her 3 children. Years later I consulted with the Ambulance and was mortified to learn that one of the main calls they received at the time was from “concerned citizens” who would prefer to dial 000 than just make a friendly enquiry, tap on the shoulder or pulse check if they found a homeless person on a sidewalk.
At the time I wondered, what has happened to us as a society?
Each of us can play a role in fighting homelessness.
Homelessness can happen to anyone and society can be very quick to judge. There are many reasons a person becomes homeless. Unfortunately, women are particularly vulnerable and I am very proud to support this event.
For one night, I’ll be sleeping in my car to raise awareness and funds so these women can access safe, secure housing and the support as well as dignity they deserve.
Every donation makes a real difference.
And if this cause resonates with you, I’d love you to join me and take part as well.
