Progressing more crisis accommodation for men

Jeremy Rockliff,Deputy Premier

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is ensuring more men who are homeless have safe, secure, and modern accommodation, with a new shelter planned for Hobart.

Tasmanians can be assured we are taking serious action on homelessness with a record investment of $615 million into social and affordable housing, and homelessness initiatives.

Planning for a new 50-bed crisis and transitional accommodation facility on the site of the former Waratah Hotel is well underway.

This is a significant increase on the current level of accommodation provided by Bethlehem House which has the capacity to help 32 men each night and is no longer fit for purpose.

The new facility will provide more capacity with 24 crisis beds, 18 transitional units, and eight units specifically designed for people with mental illness.

The design includes lounge areas, recreational space, and a cafeteria-style kitchen, as well as a manual workshop training room for skills development.

We also understand that some people who are homeless, sleep rough to avoid giving up their pets which are vital to their mental health and wellbeing.

As well as helping to keep more men safe at night, the new Bethlehem House design will help them feel at home with the inclusion of two secure kennels and an exercise area for men with pets that need shelter.

The new Bethlehem House will complement the 24-bed supported accommodation facility that has been operating on-site since the beginning of the year.

Work is being finalised with stakeholders to complete the requirements for the planning application.

Homelessness Week, held between 2-8 August, is one week a year that asks all of us to recognise the need to reduce and eliminate homelessness.

This year’s theme is ‘Housing ends homelessness’, and the Tasmanian Government is committed to continue working with our community and housing sector to ensure that more Tasmanians have a roof over their head.

If you are at risk of homelessness please contact Housing Connect, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1800 800 588.

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