Eveline House launched

Tasmania’s newest supported youth accommodation facility was
officially launched in Devonport today.

Eveline House features 25 units, five of them purpose-built for people with
disability. Each tenant has a self-contained unit with access to a laundry,
gym, common areas, outdoor spaces and a games room.

“This is a vibrant place where young people are encouraged to build on their
existing strengths and capabilities,” said Anglicare CEO Chris Jones, speaking
at a community event to launch the facility.

“We want to see all local young people well supported as they move into
adulthood,” said Dr Jones. “Eveline House provides tenants with safe,
affordable housing, as well as opportunities to participate in community
activities, education, employment and training”.

Dr Jones said Eveline House was a much-needed response to youth
homelessness in the State. Anglicare also manages similar facilities in
Launceston (Thyne House) and Hobart (Trinity Hill).

An estimated 1600 Tasmanians are homeless each night. Nearly 4 in 10
people experiencing homelessness are younger than 25, and the demand
for housing services is continuing to grow.

Tenancies at Eveline House are for young people aged 16-24 years who are
on a low income and eligible for social housing. The general tenancies at
Eveline House are already full and two of the purpose-built units are
occupied, with talks underway with the National Disability Insurance
Scheme about the final three places.

Earlier this year, Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot showed that for
young people receiving Youth Allowance, there were no affordable rental
options anywhere in Tasmania.

“No Tasmanian should have to worry about where they’ll sleep that night or
how they’ll afford to eat,” said Dr Jones. “Long term, affordable housing is
foundational for people to fully participate in education, training and
employment”.

“We are delighted to be launching Eveline House today – a facility made
possible by the Tasmanian Government and many advocates here in the
North West – and look forward to seeing how the young people who live
here will use their strengths and skills to contribute to this community”.
Anglicare Media Liaison and Communications Bronwen Hayes