By Nada Nasser, CEO, Women’s Housing Company
As I reflect on more than 20 years working in housing and homelessness, I’m reminded of both how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go to make homelessness rare, brief and not repeated.
My first role with Housing NSW in 2005 was leading work to develop new housing products and services, as well as strategies for groups facing barriers to housing, including older people, young people and women escaping domestic and family violence. Investment in social housing had deteriorated, demand was increasing and those housed had higher support needs than ever before.
Over the past two decades, I’ve seen positive change. Governments are investing more heavily in social and affordable housing now and increasingly recognising housing as essential community infrastructure. We’ve seen a growth in specialist housing solutions for women leaving violence, older women and young people. The community housing sector has grown in capability, scale and influence. Housing is now seen by many as a viable and investable asset class, helping to attract new capital and partnerships. We are also fortunate to have strong leadership across government, peak bodies and the housing and homelessness sector, driving investment, reform and innovation.
Yet these gains have unfolded alongside a worsening housing crisis. Housing affordability has deteriorated, vacancy rates have tightened and too many people are being locked out of safe and affordable accommodation. The result is growing housing insecurity, rising homelessness and social housing waiting lists that continue to climb.
Some challenges have also remained stubbornly persistent.
Domestic and family violence continues to be one of the leading drivers of homelessness for women. Older women are now the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness, and too many young people leaving care still end up without a home. Investment in supported housing remains one of the biggest missing pieces in our housing system. For many people with complex needs, a home alone is not enough. Housing must be accompanied by the right support to help people sustain tenancies and thrive.
Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful. We have stronger governance, greater collaboration between housing and homelessness services, stronger leadership and increased public investment. We are in a much better place than we were 20 years ago.
Homelessness Week – and the 2026 theme Homelessness Action Now – is a reminder that our work is far from finished. Every person deserves a safe, secure and affordable home. The foundations for meaningful change are stronger than ever, so is the urgent need for action at the scale our housing crisis demands.
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Reflecting on 20 years working in housing and homelessness By Nada Nasser, CEO, Women’s Housing Company As I reflect on more than 20 years working in housing and homelessness, I’m reminded of both how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go to make homelessness rare, brief and not repeated. My first […]
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