The Hodgman Liberal Government is rolling out initiatives under our $73.5 million Affordable Housing Action Plan to help vulnerable Tasmanians, including young people at risk of homelessness.
Today, I can announce that a builder has been chosen to deliver a new, nine-unit supported residence for youth at risk in Moonah.
The $1.8 million facility will be built by local firm Macquarie Builders through the conversion of a vacant unit complex.
This new supported accommodation facility for young people will complement Trinity Hill in North Hobart, Thyne House in Launceston and a centre currently under construction in Devonport.
Together, these sites are about a stronger response to youth homelessness by providing more accommodation and support for young people at risk.
The Moonah facility will target young people aged under 16 years who are at risk of, or already experiencing, homelessness.
This is a particularly vulnerable group because we know that the younger someone is when they first experience homelessness, the more likely they are to remain homeless for a longer period of time.
The new facility will primarily provide short-term accommodation and specialised crisis support with the aim of ensuring the young person’s safety and helping them to reconnect with family, school and other services.
There will a carer’s unit to allow for 24-hour support by live-in managers, with separate offices for staff.
Referrals into the accommodation units will come directly through our range of community services, including Children and Youth Services, Youth Justice, Gateway, crisis shelters and Housing Connect.
Housing Tasmania has worked with both the community sector and neighbouring residents on the design of this facility, which will provide an important new service in our community.
This is one of many initiatives under the Liberal Government’s Affordable Housing Action Plan that demonstrate our commitment to helping those in need.
We look forward to continuing to roll out our significant investment in affordable housing and to seeing new facilities like this one completed and opening their doors to vulnerable Tasmanians.