Housing assistance for older lesbians

Older disadvantaged lesbians will soon have a roof over their head, thanks to a new housing project being established by the Matrix Guild of Victoria.
Now in its 17th year, Matrix Guild is a community group for older lesbians which aims to raise money to assist lesbians who are marginalised, at risk, disabled or frail.
The group has recently been bequeathed an -œextremely generous amount of money by local feminist Heather Chapple. The money will be used to purchase a house for long-term accommodation.
Guild events co-ordinator Sharon Stanton will head up the working party researching property prices and locations.
Stanton said proximity to transport, shops and health services will be a top priority.
-œThe research really depends primarily on how many bedrooms we can get -” value for dollars, she told Southern Star.
When allocating housing, priority will be given to women who are financially disadvantaged or need support specifically from the lesbian community.
-œPart of Heather’s wish for the house is for those born women and were active lesbians, I guess that was part of her feminist values.
Stanton said it was an important step for the group in aiding older lesbians. Previous plans to set up a retirement home were too costly.
-œOne of the dreams of Matrix is to set up an old dykes home. We’re now looking to purchase housing as we go along and hopefully if people generously leave money to Matrix we can bring that dream to fruition and help the women in the community.
Matrix is also in the process of developing an information database for lesbian-friendly home-based services such as gardeners, builders and health services.
The group will hold their annual Satin and Silk Ball in February to raise money for projects for older lesbians.

info: Satin and Silk Ball, featuring Mae Parker as Bette Midler and Tina Turner is on Saturday, February 21, from 7pm at St Kilda Town Hall. Tickets are $40/$50. Call Lou on 0419 539 324 or email [email protected]