Shelter Tas, the state’s peak body for housing and homelessness, welcomes the State Government’s budget announcement of six million dollars to build a long-term supported accommodation facility for young people in Devonport. Statistics show that Tasmania has one of the highest risks of youth homelessness in the nation, and crisis services in the North West have been stretched beyond capacity.
“We are pleased to see the government responding to the housing needs of young people in this region”, said Shelter Tas Executive Officer, Pattie Chugg. “Stable housing means young people can build secure foundations in education and employment, and maintain positive social participation. Our members who work with vulnerable young people every day know the crucial role of long-term accommodation and support. The construction and staffing of a supported long-term accommodation facility for young people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the North West was a key recommendation in the Shelter Tas Budget submission 2015-16.”
Approximately 25 independent units with communal facilities and consulting rooms for young people aged 16-25 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will be built at the new facility in Devonport. Five units will be designed for young people living with disability.
“It is great to see the Government recognise the importance of stable appropriate accommodation and support for all young people in Tasmania. The new facility builds on the success of Thyne House in the North and the Trinity Hill facility currently under construction in the South, and provides equity for those in the North West,” Ms Chugg said.
For more information, go to the Shelter Tas website, where you can view Shelter’s Budget submission 2015-16.
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Pattie Chugg Chair, Tasmanian Youth Housing and Homelessness Group
