Report: Largest survey of single mothers finds housing greatest concern
20/11/2023
Despite being employed at equivalent levels to partnered mothers, over a thousand single mothers recently surveyed by Council of Single Mothers and their Children report that they are struggling to get ahead financially.
Safe and affordable housing was the main concern for survey respondents, with nearly half (49 per cent) not feeling confident about their long-term housing. Single mothers from all income brackets were represented in all housing types – a fifth reporting they live in insecure housing, 43% are trying to compete with double-income applicants in private rental and a small number earning over $100,000 living in tents or caravan parks, unable to secure rentals.
Respondents experienced homelessness and marginal housing at almost four times the national average (1.9 per cent compared with 0.5 per cent), which applied to the broader population would equate to 12,500 mothers with 22,500 children homeless.
Women reported applying for more than 100 rental properties and being rejected from all of them; having to sleep in their car; escaping violence and having to pay more for their transitional housing than they would in equivalent private rental; being assaulted at a motel where they were housed temporarily; waiting more than four years for priority housing and having to give up their children to a family member because of homelessness.