Create Lasting Impact for Mothers this Mother's Day with Women's Village Collective

By Amy Grenfell

May 14th, 2023 marks the celebration of Mother's Day, a day dedicated to honouring the incredible role of mothers worldwide. On this special occasion, the Women's Village Collective (WVC) is taking the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of mothers in need. 

Statistics reveal that 81% of single-parent households in Australia are led by mothers, accounting for over 780,500 women raising children alone. Unfortunately, many of these mothers face financial disadvantages that prevent them from accessing housing opportunities, further perpetuating the cycle of struggle. Motherhood, a cause for celebration, often becomes an obstacle to achieving financial independence and home ownership. 

Compounding the issue, women over 50 represent the fastest-growing cohort of homeless individuals in Australia. Due to various financial circumstances, such as raising children, many of these women were unable to enter the property market earlier in their lives. It is crucial that we address this pressing issue and offer support to these deserving mothers. 

This Mother's Day, we invite you to join the Women's Village Collective in celebrating mothers and helping them secure a brighter future. In the past year alone, WVC has successfully housed eight mothers and nine children in affordable accommodations. Additionally, we have provided Flood Recovery Grants to 17 mothers, aiding them in rebuilding their lives after devastating floods. 

To further empower women and assist them in achieving their long-term goals of secure and sustainable housing, the Women's Village Collective is organising Financial Preparedness & Housing Solutions Workshops and Community Development Sessions. These initiatives aim to equip women with the knowledge and resources necessary to enter into entry-level home ownership. 

We believe that every mother deserves housing security, enabling their children to experience the stability and comfort of a childhood home. By supporting the Women's Village Collective, you are contributing to a brighter future for mothers and their children.

Join us in creating a lasting impact for mothers this Mother's Day. Together, we can help mothers overcome financial obstacles and provide them with the opportunity for long-term housing security. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless mother’s and children. 

Stories of Change

Women’s Village Collective referred me to local organisations for support during the floods and with moving and purchasing items for my house. They also connected me with social housing and now I have an AFFORDABLE long term lease. Now I can raise my baby in peace and safety. Home is a basic need for any human to thrive in life.

- Beatriz, 32 Mother and Women’s Village Collective member. 

The stability that we felt having somewhere safe and dry to sleep and play and dream has empowered me to take responsibility for my life. Without the help from the WVC I would have had to leave the area where I grew up and my mum and sister still live.

- Amelia, 39, Mother & Women’s Village Collective Member 

WVC helped me by helping us to find a secure home and affordable rent. It’s so important to be able to provide a secure, lovely home for my little boy. Without that, I could be homeless and probably unemployable.

- Sarah, 44, Mother & Women’s Village Collective Member. 

I have moved 13 times in 10 years. After the floods I spent a winter in my van and got quite sick. I then stayed with a friend while I tried to find another rental. Eventually I took a rental that cost almost as much as my income. Women’s Village Collective supported me through this process of a housing application. Women’s Village also helped me emotionally and financially to support my move.

- Linda 69, Mother & Grandmother & Women’s Village Collective Member. 

To learn more about our initiatives and contribute to this cause, please visit our website at www.womensvillagecollective.org.au. 

If you are in housing insecurity or you would like to support the mission to help women secure pathways to long term safe affordable homes or provide access to accommodation for women and children, please contact the WVC team at: admin@womensvillagecollective.org.au