Friday, December 6, 2024 – Recent data from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute has shown that women’s homelessness is on the rise. With women faced with unique social, economic and physical challenges amidst the cost-of-living crisis, data shows they are the fastest growing cohort of the homeless in Australia.1 

Brisbane-manufactured women’s health brand Ostelin, who represents women’s strength and is committed to redefining support for the vulnerable, has partnered with not-for-profit organisation Rosies Friends on the Street to support their services in the Brisbane community with a new outreach van. The van, which launches today, will serve as a place of social connection for individuals in the community, where they can meet with trained, friendly volunteers and experience meaningful connections. 

For the 1 in 10 Australians experiencing social isolation, the reality for vulnerable women can mean no one has said their name or looked them in the eye in months.2 To honour and acknowledge the women and men in the community who have demonstrated strength and resilience, the new van will display the hand-written names of 67 members of the community. 

Cathy Barber, Brisbane City Branch Co-Coordinator at Rosies said that for some women and men experiencing hardship, a simple social exchange can mean the world. 

“Having volunteered with Rosies for 15 years, I have seen first-hand the impact of homelessness and social isolation – and the alarming rise in the number of women experiencing it. Women may be living in their cars, couch surfing or living in government housing, and are often disconnected from their families and communities as a result. For some of the women I speak to, no one has looked them in the eye or said their name out loud for months.” 

Jayne Shallcross, CEO of Rosies said the partnership with Ostelin will drive an important conversation about women’s homelessness. 

“There is evidence to show that women in our community bear a disproportionate burden of vulnerability, facing unique social, physical and economical challenges. Exchanges of kindness can be the foundation for helping them regain their confidence and get back on their feet, when they’re starting from the ground up – it can start by simply calling them by name and acknowledging their story. We’re thankful to partners like Ostelin to help us make a difference to people’s lives.” 

Sarah Pothecary, Ostelin Zone Brand Lead said Ostelin was proud to be partnering with Rosies. 

“Ostelin believes in championing strength from within and is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the vulnerable. The work that Rosies does in the Brisbane community and broadly in QLD is pivotal to helping both women and men find strength through social connections, and we’re proud to be launching the new Brisbane City van to enable more of these connections.”  

“These names not only represent the powerful strength found in community, they seek to promote conversation and recognition of the vulnerable, ensuring no name goes unsaid.” 

In addition to the Van, Ostelin has donated over 4,000 hygiene bags and over 400 health and wellness packs and to Rosies patrons, containing non-perishable food and hygiene items, children’s activity sheets and messages of empowerment. 

The Ostelin van will hit the road today, Thursday 5th of December. For information about the outreach program and to donate to Rosies, visit https://rosies.org.au/donations.