Youth accommodation facilities providing a home, not just a roof

A recently completed youth housing facility is providing more than just a roof for 26 young people, it’s providing a home. 

Speaking during a visit to Youth2 Independence accommodation in Hobart today, Minister for Housing and Planning, Felix Ellis, spoke about the positive impact the new Youth2 Independence accommodation facility was having on young people who were living there. 

“Y2I is more than just providing a roof over a head of a young person in need. It also provides the foundation for them to live their best life,” Minister Ellis said.

The Youth2Independence Campbell Street Facility opened in December and is just one example of how the Tasmanian Government is supporting young people facing homelessness. 

“We know that as young people transition to adulthood, they can be particularly vulnerable to homelessness, which is why we direct $8 million of funding into crisis and transitional accommodation specifically for young people,” Minister Ellis said. 

“The Tasmanian Government is leading the way in progressing education-first solutions to address youth homelessness, and the Y21 program supports young people to become independent adults by succeeding in education and training. 

“Young people who live at Y2I commit to The Deal, which sees them develop their skills and capabilities to obtain a Certificate I in Developing Independence.

“The Deal helps them to explore and build skills and knowledge and is uniquely tailored to match each young person’s interests, skills and talents.

“We continue to increase our investment into vital support services so that we can provide immediate assistance to those in need, including supporting our 20 homelessness shelters and three Safe Spaces across the State.”

The visit comes as the Government marks National Homelessness Week, reiterating its commitment to taking action to end homelessness through its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. 

“Our plan to deliver 10,000 social and affordable homes by 2032, is well underway with more than a third, or a total of 3,620 social and affordable homes, delivered at the end of June 2023," Minister Ellis said.

“This included 113 units of homelessness accommodation and 383 units of supported accommodation including the Youth 2 Independence (Y2I) facilities across the State.” 

If you or anyone you know is facing homelessness, please reach out to Housing Connect during their office hours or 24/7 in an emergency on 1800 800 588. 

The Tasmanian Government invests over $5 million annually into the Y2I facilities statewide to provide accommodation for 162 young people 16-24 years old.

There are currently four Y2I facilities across Tasmania including Launceston, Devonport, and two in Hobart. A fifth Y2I site is currently under construction in Burnie which is due for completion in the coming months.