Hundreds of preloved jeans were distributed to disadvantaged Tasmanians in Hobart today as part of the Volcom Jeans Give Jeans a Chance - denim donation for the homeless program.

Minister for Human Services Cassy O'Connor MP today visited Colony 47 where more than 300 pairs of preloved and 'factory-second' jeans were given away to Tasmanians in need.

Seven pairs were specially customised by fashion design and technology students from the Tasmanian Polytechnic.

"It is heart-warming to see Tasmanians helping each other during National Homeless Persons Week by providing jeans for people in need," Ms O'Connor said.

"Anyone in need, whether they are homeless or not, could come along today and receive a pair of jeans.

"It's inspiring to see our future fashion designers contributing their skills by customising seven pairs of jeans to reflect each of the new seven rights of homelessness in Tasmania's Homelessness Charter, which was launched on Monday.

"The Homelessness Charter sets out seven key rights which anyone experiencing homelessness now has to their name."

"The creative expression of these students will help raise awareness about these rights and of Homeless Person's Week.

"Organisations such as Colony 47 provide much needed day-to-day support to Tasmanian's experiencing homelessness, but everyone who has donated a pair of preloved jeans has helped some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

"I would like to thank Volcom Jeans for this fantastic initiative, Colony 47 and its CEO Therese Taylor for hosting the Hobart event, the participating stores that collected the jeans and Tasmanian Polytechnic's creative and generous students.

"I would also like to thank Alex Krambrousanos, Tasmania Polytechnic's southern Fashion & Textiles lecturer, as well as the students themselves, who are Perky Edhel, Ana Herta, Madi Grieve-Darcy (Friends College), Olivia Karas (Rosny College), Kathleen Muller (Rosny college)

Mauli Nethery (Elizabeth College), Ah Reum Park (Elizabeth College), Anna-Mae Ashman, Philippa Broady, Georga Devlin, Tessa Demartino, Sam Ekert, Chloe Gardam, Laura Hawkins, Emma Perudy, Jason Mclaren, Hunnah Gunn, Caralyn Knight and Paisia Krambousanos

Ms O'Connor said by the end of 2010 the State Government had already exceeded its target of halving the number of Tasmanians sleeping rough, by providing over 193 places for people experiencing homelessness.

"By the end of June 2012 the State and Australian Government had funded more than 1,400 new affordable and energy efficient homes for Tasmanians and we're not stopping there.

"We have also established five supported accommodation facilities for people who need a home."

The Tasmanian Government commits over $15 million to more than 20 community sector organisations to provide specialist homelessness services each year.

Homelessness Charter's seven rights

The right:

·    to be treated with dignity and respect

·    to be treated fairly

·    to privacy and confidentiality

·    to a reasonable standard of health and wellbeing

·    to information you need to make your own choices

·     to be treated without discrimination

·    to be part of our community.