Hobart couple buy former student boarding house for older women at risk of homelessness

Australia Broadcast Center

2 days ago

It was while offering short-term stays to women in need that retirees Richard and Jan Gould heard first-hand of the depth of Tasmania's growing housing affordability issues.
Moved by the stories they were confronted with, the Goulds resolved to try to make a difference in their community by offering their own low-cost housing solution.
"So, we are consulting widely with charities to see if we've hit the mark on what the people who come to them would want."
After moving to Hobart from Sydney three years ago, the couple had been providing accommodation to vulnerable women at a short-stay rental property they own.
One by one, they met women from all walks of life, with the common thread being their visitors were unable to afford the increasing cost of private rentals.
Some stayed at their place for just a week, others for closer to six months.
Mr Gould said it opened their eyes to how big the housing crisis is, and how it was having a disproportionate impact on older women, who are often lower on the priority lists at social housing providers.
This could make a great affordable housing property, and specifically for women.
"It was a no-brainer."
In June, they purchased a 10-bedroom, five-bathroom home in South Hobart — formerly used by The University of Tasmania's Jane Franklin Hall for student accommodation — with savings from their superannuation.
The intention is to offer stable, low-cost housing for older women at risk of homelessness.
Ms Gould said it was important to them the property felt like a home for the women, rather than an institution.
Since named Blue Sky House, the home will offer private living spaces as well as communal areas for the women to come together to connect.
The couple expect most residents would stay for the medium to long-term, but they also anticipate some short-term need.
Mr Gould believes having the stability of a secure rental will help the women better recover from possible troubles and trauma and "to lift themselves up out of what is a very depressing situation to be in and often not by their own hand".
"My wife likes to think it's going to become a sisterhood."
Their goal is to have the property ready for residents by October.
Charity organisation Hobart City Mission has praised the couple's philanthropy, but questions whether the provision of essential services typically offered by governments should fall to private citizens.
The charity's program manager Ewan Higgs said that while he was full of admiration for the Goulds, he had to ask the question: "why are we having to rely on people putting their retirement savings into a venture that maybe shouldn't need to".
He said said having a roof over their heads was also "only one part of the puzzle" in helping homeless people.
"We know there are other things that come with that and other complex issues that have led someone to homelessness," Mr Higgs said.
"So, it's ensuring that not only do we provide a roof, but provide some of the connections and support.
"What we need is a whole-government response that not only pulls in housing but also looks to pull in criminal justice and health.
The Goulds said they will continue working with experts in the social housing space to help them best deliver their dream.
But first, they need to finish preparing the property and gain council approval for any use and structural changes.
The Goulds have also started hunting for preloved items to furnish the property and are in discussions about potential sponsorships with local suppliers.
Others in the local community's online Good Karma Network have also volunteered their services.
"They're touched by what we're doing and following up with saying that they want to help," Mr Gould said of the architect, builder and gardener who had reached out.
The Goulds, in turn, have been touched by the community's support.
"It's very heartwarming," Mr Gould said.
"We've got to take responsibility for what's happening in our community.