Upstream strengthens Unison’s wraparound support approach for renters aged 55+

With the rising cost of living, an unexpected bill, broken appliance or unforeseen medical issue can quickly place financial pressure on households. For people on fixed incomes, this can mean facing difficult choices between essentials such as rent, heating, food and healthcare.

The Upstream program is helping Unison respond to these challenges by providing targeted, practical support to renters aged 55+, addressing needs that can have a significant impact on their health, wellbeing, independence and ability to maintain their tenancies.

Launching in June 2025 with the support of a private family foundation, the program enables Unison to provide assistance to renters experiencing financial hardship, helping with essentials such as food, utilities, household items and equipment that supports independence.

So far, 91 renters have received support through Upstream, helping Unison address individual needs that might otherwise go unmet.

Unison’s Place Managers work closely with renters who meet the eligibility criteria to understand their circumstances, identify where support can make the biggest difference and, where needed, connect them with other services. This approach allows Unison to look beyond the tenancy and provide more wraparound support that helps renters maintain their stability, dignity and independence.

“When key expenses such as utilities are covered, it reduces the risk of eviction. This support also eases stress, allowing individuals to focus on health and long-term planning rather than day-to-day survival.” – Belinda, Unison Team Leader

Christine regains her independence  
After her divorce, Christine* (64) was left in financial hardship and moved between unstable and unsafe rentals before connecting with Unison.

“When I was working, married women weren’t allowed super, so I didn’t have much saved.” – Christine

Christine relies on permanent oxygen support, making physical movement challenging and limiting her social interactions. Through the Upstream program, Christine received support to acquire a mobility scooter, significantly improving her independence and community participation. The scooter reduced her reliance on informal care and increased her autonomy, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

A working fridge brings David peace of mind 

When long-term Unison renter David* (70) came down to reception for a cold glass of water on a hot day in January, his Place Manager was alerted to the fact that his fridge had broken. Although David is able to meet his day-to-day financial needs, he has little disposable income available for an unexpected major purchase. The Upstream support couldn’t have come at a more suitable time for David.

“The fridge released a lot of stress as I’m struggling financially, and was unable to afford another fridge. I’m able to enjoy fresh meat and cold water during this heat.” – David

Making Andrew’s house feel like a home 

Andrew* (59) recently relocated to a Unison property with almost no belongings and lacked the funds to purchase essential household furniture. The Upstream program supported Andrew to acquire a bed frame, couch and tables. The support reduced stress and enabled him to settle into his tenancy, feeling comfortable and at home from the outset.

“I’m able to live more comfortably with the basic furniture that I couldn’t afford when moving in.” – Andrew

The Upstream program demonstrates the meaningful difference that timely, targeted assistance can make in the lives of Unison renters aged 55+. Upstream enables Unison to provide more wraparound support, reducing financial stress and supporting renters’ health, wellbeing and independence.

The strong uptake and positive outcomes of the Upstream program have demonstrated its success in supporting Unison’s older renters. In recognition of this, additional funding has been secured to extend the program until mid-2027, enabling more renters aged 55+ to access timely, targeted assistance and strengthening our wraparound approach to renter wellbeing.

*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of renters.