Linda is not her real name, but her story reflects a growing reality of women’s homelessness in Australia.

After her husband died, Linda could no longer afford the weekly rent on her own. Without a second income, housing quickly became unaffordable. She began sleeping on a friend’s couch while trying to find somewhere permanent.

At the same time, the rental process had changed. Without access to a computer or the digital skills to apply online, Linda faced additional barriers. A local service stepped in, applying for multiple rental properties on her behalf within her budget.

Even then, it wasn’t straightforward.

It took strong advocacy from her caseworker with a local real estate agent before Linda was eventually approved for a property.

Today, Linda has a home.

But she still relies on food assistance to afford bills and basic living costs.

Linda’s experience is part of a broader rise in women’s homelessness across Australia.

Women are more likely to work part-time. More likely to step away from the workforce to provide unpaid care. Over time, this reduces income, savings and superannuation.

By older age, many women have fewer financial buffers to rely on.

In this context, it doesn’t take much. The loss of a partner. A shift to a single income.

For women already navigating limited financial reserves, housing can suddenly become unaffordable.

And even when women seek help, the system can be difficult to access. Rental applications are increasingly digital. Competition is high. Supply is limited.

Without the right tools, support or advocacy, securing housing becomes even harder. Linda was able to find a home because someone stepped in.

Not everyone has that support.