The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to providing a comprehensive range of housing and support services to help Tasmanians in need.
“That’s why we introduced the Safe Spaces program in 2019 – starting in Hobart and then expanding to Launceston and Burnie in 2020 – delivering new crisis accommodation for homeless Tasmanians,” Minister Barnett said.
“I am pleased to confirm that in the recent Budget update long-term annual funding of $7 million per year has been secured to allow the Safe Spaces program to continue until 2025-26. This 3-year commitment rather than year-to-year, will help provide confidence to the service providers and the community.
“The Safe Spaces program is an innovative and integrated response that is making a real difference every day to addressing homelessness.
“Safe Spaces are crisis shelters with low-barrier entry conditions that are available for people who are homeless and for whom other shelters or emergency accommodation might not be suitable.
“We also know that there are Tasmanians who are doing it tough and need support right now and that is why we are investing more than $36 million each year on wrap-around services to ensure those who need help are getting the services they need.
“This includes funding for 17 existing Specialist Homelessness Services, including Housing Connect Front Door and Support, as well as crisis shelters and supported accommodation.”
The Safe Spaces program currently delivers 88 beds at three sites – 35 in Hobart, 33 in Launceston and 20 in Burnie.
The program is part of the Tasmanian Government’s massive 10-year, $1.5 billion housing package – the largest housing investment in the State’s history.
Our plan will deliver 10,000 new affordable homes and units by 2032 to meet the diverse housing needs of Tasmanians, including youth, the elderly, those living with a disability, men, women and families.
We also set an ambitious target to deliver 1,500 social and affordable homes by June 2023 and we are tracking well with 735 of these homes completed as at 31 December 2022.
This housing package is being delivered by our newly established Homes Tasmania authority, which is designed to be more innovative and agile and build these dwellings faster to help Tasmanians in need.
If you are at risk of homelessness, please contact Housing Connect, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 800 588.
