HOWSS – Housing Older Women’s Support Service
Every older woman deserves a safe, stable and affordable place to call home.
The Housing Older Women’s Support Service (HOWSS) supports women over 50 (and First Nations women over 45) to navigate housing systems and move towards finding permanent housing suitable for their situation.
If you are in need of housing or homelessness support, you can contact our dedicated and compassionate team over the phone, online or by dropping in to our Brisbane-based hub at West End.
How HOWSS can help
HOWSS runs a range of FREE workshops to support you to find a private rental, apply for social housing or simply understand your situation and options.
As well as being a safe place of support, HOWSS hosts regular coffee catch-up sessions around Queensland where you can connect with other women and access helpful information about services available to you.
- information, advice and referrals to local support services throughout Queensland
- free education workshops for older women
- volunteer peer support from women with lived experience
- outreach services in the greater Brisbane region and surrounds, as well as Sunshine Coast and Mackay regions
- face-to-face contact with skilled staff
- telephone and online advice and advocacy.
This service values the importance that lived experience can play in supporting women facing housing stress and homelessness.
We have peer staff and volunteers available to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected and understood.
We assist women aged over 50 years and First Nations women aged over 45 years in Queensland experiencing housing distress or homelessness.
We welcome people from all backgrounds, identities and abilities and aim to provide culturally appropriate support and opportunities.
Workshops
Brave Conversations has been inspired by the incredible work of pioneers HOWM (Housing Older Women Movement) and informed by lived-experience community consultation.
The workshop series is a collaboration of HOWSS and QStars (Queensland statewide tenancy advice and referral service), to provide older women with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the housing systems and provides information to support them on their housing journey.
It takes courage to be vulnerable and talk about the housing crisis and its impact.
We want women to feel heard, valued, empowered, connected, seen and know they are not alone.
Session 1 – Understanding Housing Stress
- Explore the impacts of housing stress on physical and mental health
- Explore tools and strategies to support emotional regulation
- Explore what obstacles women have faced on their housing journey and how these link to the systemic failings
- Explore the systemic failings especially for older women including superannuation, impacts of DFV and more
- Explore housing as a major social determinant for health
- Explore housing as a human right
- Learn about support services
- Reflect on women’s strengths (focus on housing journey) using strength cards
- Support women to ensure they have clarity on the next steps
Session 2 – Renting and Self-advocacy
- Explore the realities of renting in the current housing market
- Explore how to best advocate for self in the current rental market
- Learn about your rights when renting
This workshop is FREE to attend
This workshop explores the available housing options for older women looking for accomodation.
- Information about different housing options
- Resources to help you make decisions about housing
This workshop is FREE to attend
Are you an older woman (45+) seeking information around exploring housing options and support to understand and apply for Social Housing?
- What is Social Housing?
- Eligibility
- How to apply
- ID and supporting documents
- How to submit your application
- What happens next?
- Additional support & information
This workshop is FREE to attend
Are you an older woman (45+) seeking information around applying for private rental properties?
- The private rental market
- Finding rentals
- Rental profiles
- ID and supporting documents
- Applying
- Tenancy agreements and legal rights
- Helpful tips
- Additional support & information
This workshop is FREE to attend
Coffee catch-ups
Are you an older woman currently facing or who has experienced housing stress?
Join us for our Coffee Catch-Up—a safe and supportive space to connect with other women and access helpful information about services available to you. Share stories, gather resources, and enjoy morning tea in the company of kindred spirits.
We look forward to welcoming you with warmth and a cuppa. Come as you are—we’re here for you.
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au
Find your nearest catch-up
Where
QCWA Building
52 Herbert Street, Bowen 4805
When
Fourth Thursday each month
10.30am – 12.30pm
Cost – FREE
2026 Dates
23 July 2026
27 August 2026
24 September 2026
22 October 2026
26 November 2026
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au or at Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you!
Where
Brisbane West End Hub
31 Thomas Street, West End 4101
When
Second and fourth Wednesdays
10am – 12pm
Cost – FREE
2026 Dates
8 July 2026
22 July 2026
12 August 2026 – NO CATCHUP DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY
26 August 2026
9 September 2026
23 September 2026
14 October 2026
28 October 2026
11 November 2026
25 November 2026
9 December 2026
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au or at Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you!
Where
Caloundra Community Centre
58A Queen Street, Caloundra 4551
When
Fourth Tuesday of each month
10am – 12pm
Cost – FREE
2026 Dates
25 August 2026
22 September 2026
27 October 2026
24 November 2026
22 December 2026
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au or at Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you!
Where
Gympie Women’s Health Centre
21 Alfred Street, Gympie
When
Second Tuesday of each month
10am – 12pm
Cost – FREE
2026 Dates
11 August 2026
8 September 2026
13 October 2026
10 November 2026
8 December 2026
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au or at Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you!
Where
People Care Building
89 Sydney Street, Mackay 4740
When
Third Tuesday each month
9.30am – 11.30am
Cost – FREE
2026 Dates
20 August 2026
17 September 2026
15 October 2026
19 November 2026
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au or at Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you!
Where
Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre
2 Fifth Avenue, Cotton Tree 4558
When
First Thursday of each month
10am – 12pm
Cost – FREE
2026 Dates
6 August 2026
3 September 2026
1 October 2026
5 November 2026
3 December 2026
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au or at Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you!
Where
Tait Duke Cottage, You Turn
14 Earl Street, Tewantin 4565
When
Third Wednesday of each month
10am – 12pm
Cost – FREE
2026 Dates
19 August 2026
16 September 2026
21 October 2026
18 November 2026
16 December 2026
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au or at Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you!
Where
Nundah Neighbourhood Centre
14 Station Street, Nundah 4012
When
Fourth Tuesday of each month
1pm – 3pm
Cost – FREE
2026 Dates
25 August 2026
22 September 2026
27 October 2026
24 November 2026
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au or at Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you!
Where
YMCA Wynnum (Room 2)
105 Florence Street, Wynnum 4178
When
Second Monday of each month
9am – 11am
Cost – FREE
2026 Dates
10 August 2026
14 September 2026
12 October 2026
9 November 2026
14 December 2026
To register your attendance, email: CEHOWSS@footprintscommunity.org.au or at Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you!
Pathways to Home
Guides for older women seeking housing information
Pathways to Home has been created to support women aged 50+ and First Nations women aged 45+ seeking housing information and support. You can download an digital copy below.
Volume 1
Volume 1 is for women seeking information about housing options. Women can access information covering:
- Housing options
- Successful renting
- Financial planning
- Support services directory
Volume 2
Volume 2 is for women who are homeless or experiencing housing instability. Women can access the information below:
- Hotlines and support services directory
- Emergency and crisis support
- Homelessness safety
- Losing your housing
Contact the friendly team
Call 1800 366 877 (7:30am–4:30pm, Monday–Friday). Due to high demand, the HOWSS team is currently experiencing a large volume of enquiries. If we are unable to answer your call, please leave a voicemail or email the team and we will respond as soon as possible. Please note that response times may be longer than usual.
If you need urgent support outside of business hours, the Homeless Hotline 1800 474 753 is available 24/7.
Email: howss@footprintscommunity.org.au
Visit the hub: 31 Thomas Street, West End – drop in 10am–2pm, Monday–Friday (by appointment all other times).
Resources
Housing Resources
Guidance to help you navigate housing options, from social housing to private rentals.
Legal Resources
Free and low-cost legal support for older women facing housing or tenancy issues.
Financial Resources
Financial counselling, grants and concessions to help ease the cost of housing.
Aged Care Resources
Information and support to access aged care services as you get older.
Disability Resources
Support services and information for older women living with disability.
Mental Health Resources
Support services for your mental health and wellbeing.