Tasmanian youth experiencing homelessness now have a dedicated space to feel safe, and supports to help them launch independent lives.
Karinya Women’s Service officially opened its Youth Transitional Tenancy Program (KYTT) today.
Minister for Women, Jo Palmer, said Karinya has 45 years of experience in the homelessness sector in Tasmania.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government has provided Karinya with more than $800,000 to deliver pilot crisis accommodation programs to young, at-risk people,” Minister Palmer said.
The program started in October last year – and has already helped 20 young people.
“The program provides safe, affordable and appropriate housing for young people aged 16-24 for a period of up to two years,” Minister Palmer said.
“Each young person has their own independent unit, a case manager, a living and life skills education and a tenancy officer.”
This additional support service sees further support become available for young people in the Launceston area and joins the other program areas that Karinya runs.
“We know that homelessness doesn’t discriminate by age, and young people can be particularly vulnerable during their transition to adulthood and independence,” Minister Palmer said.
“In the last financial year Karinya provided a total of 1996 bed nights, which was 500 bed nights above the previous year.
“This is why young people are a priority under the Rockliff Liberal Government’s Tasmanian Housing Strategy.
“Our Government is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable Tasmanians through programs, such as KYTT, so that no one is left behind.”
