"I was 65, working full-time, got sick with blood clots in my lungs and had to leave work," she said.

While receiving the Newstart Allowance, she had to resort to "selling things in my home to pay for the rent".

"When I had nothing left to sell, I had to put what I had left in storage, and just be on the street," Ms West said.

She eventually was connected with community-owned, not-for-profit retirement living and aged care provider IRT Group.

IRT assisted her with the processes of finding accommodation in refuges and transitional housing.

After being homeless for two years, last June Ms West moved into a unit at IRT William Beach Gardens at Kanahooka.

"It happened to me, it could happen to anyone," the 67-year-old said of becoming homeless.

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"I'm very grateful that I've been able to be housed, and I don't take it lightly, because I have friends who are still unable to be housed. I'm one of the fortunate ones - I count my blessings every day."

IRT Group has sought to help many older Australians such as Ms West via its IRT Foundation.

On Thursday, IRT Foundation marked a "new era", announcing a re-brand and name change to Age Matters.

Established in 2009 as IRT Research Foundation, the initiative has aimed to help improve the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged older people in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast.

The Illawarra-based Age Matters initiative is tackling what they say is the three central tenants of social disadvantage among older Australians - homelessness, loneliness and joblessness.

Age Matters' head of social impact, Toby Dawson said men and women over-65 are the fastest growing group of homeless in the country.

"What we are seeing more and more is it's a job lost, a marriage breakdown or a serious illness that is putting people on the streets," he told the Mercury.

He said they remained committed to providing disadvantaged older Australians with access to supported housing and services and opportunities for social and civic participation.

"But we can't fight homelessness, loneliness and joblessness among older people alone," he said.

Age Matters will host the second Illawarra Homeless Street Count on April 2.

To get involved, email info@agematters.org.au.

Also, the Race Against Homelessness charity race day will be held for the second year running on Saturday, June 13.

Age Matters is also encouraging people to consider donating regularly or to establish a workplace regular giving program.

For more information, visit agematters.org.au.