Women speak about the reality of homelessness

WOMEN who have experienced homelessness will share their stories at a community forum next month.

Part of the Walk in Her Shoes campaign, the event aims to challenge common stereotypes and highlight the realities of housing instability faced by women across the region.

While homelessness is often associated with men sleeping rough, women accounted for nearly 60 per cent of people accessing Victorian homelessness services in 2025.

Jessie Moore first experienced homelessness when they were 17, spending six months sleeping on the flood a friend’s house.

They later spent time living on Geelong’s streets in 2024 and now live in transitional housing in Geelong West.

Moore said sharing stories is critical in ensuring the community understands the lifelong impacts being on the streets can have.

“I want people to understand not just what happened, but how it affected me – my mental health, my physical health and the way it disrupted my life,” Moore said.

 

“Just to give them a feel of what people on the streets actually go through.”

Moore is one of more than 1,800 people who experienced homelessness in Geelong throughout 2024–25. During the same period, 6,500 people accessed support to prevent or address homelessness across the Barwon region.

Moore said hearing directly from people with lived experience was key to reducing stigma and misconceptions.

“It gives people an education on what homelessness actually looks like from someone who has experienced it,” Moore said.

“People sometimes stereotype homelessness, but anyone can be homeless at any time. One thing could go wrong and you could lose everything.”

Moore has since connected with support services through local agency Meli.

Meli manager of housing services Jo Baillon said the forum would provide an important opportunity for the community to hear directly from women whose experiences are often unseen or misunderstood.

“Homelessness is not a distant issue. It’s happening here in our community, and more women are at risk than many people realise,” she said.

“Behind every number is a real person.

“It’s a reminder that the right support can make all the difference in helping people feel safe and rebuild their lives.”

Moore will be joined at the forum by local MPs Christine Couzens and Sarah Mansfield, along with representatives from Meli and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

The Walk in Her Shoes forum will be held at Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct on 10 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Register via Eventbrite.