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Couple Turns Old Dorm Into Safe Home For Older Women Facing Homelessness

August 1, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Hobart, Australia.

In a heartwarming act of generosity, retired couple Richard and Jan Gould are transforming a former student boarding house into low-rent housing for older women facing homelessness.

Richard and Jan Gould | ABC News (Australia)

After relocating from Sydney to Hobart three years ago, the Goulds began opening their short-stay rental to women in crisis. Many of their guests were older women struggling to find secure and affordable housing. Some stayed for a few days, others for several months—but all carried stories that deeply impacted the couple.

"It opened our eyes to how big the housing crisis was," said Mr. Gould, who was particularly struck by how older women were often overlooked by traditional housing services.

Determined to help, the Goulds recently purchased a 10-bedroom, five-bathroom property once used by University of Tasmania students. Their plan? To create a welcoming, stable environment where up to 10 women can live affordably and with dignity.

They’ve named it Blue Sky House — a hopeful symbol for what they envision the home will represent.

“It will take them out of what is a very dark place and bring them into an area we are calling Blue Sky,” Mr. Gould explained.

His wife added, “We want people to be glad to come home.”

The Goulds are aiming to welcome their first residents by October. They've begun collecting secondhand furnishings and are in talks with local businesses for possible sponsorships. Support has also poured in from the local Good Karma Network, where community members have volunteered their time and services to help.

For the Goulds, it's all about using what they have to make a difference.

“At the end of the day, it’s not what you have,” said Mr. Gould, “it’s what you do with what you’ve got.”