More young Tasmanians in the State’s South will soon have access to stable accommodation, education and employment opportunities, with a new Youth2Independence (Y2I) housing facility in Hobart.
Construction has now started on the new $17 million facility in central Hobart and today I met with builders Vos Construction and Joinery to inspect progress, which is expected to be complete in mid-2023.
The site is next to the TasTAFE campus in Campbell St and, once complete, will accommodate up to 26 young people aged between 16 and 24 years.
Each young person in the Y2I will have their own self-contained studio space with access to an onsite manager, shared kitchen, indoor and outdoor recreation and quiet spaces, and counselling services and support.
It will also include an accessible ground floor Youth Hub, for young people to access support services, including education, training and employment opportunities.
The project includes accommodation for the manager, a social enterprise café and a new communal rooftop garden.
Liminal Studio has designed the Y2I facility to be sympathetic to its surroundings and neighbourhood.
Anglicare Tasmania will provide 24/7 management of the new service, along with three existing Y2I facilities in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.
By investing in more Y2I facilities, the Tasmanian Government is helping more young Tasmanians build their lives through secure accommodation and support to reach independence.
We are increasing supported accommodation for young people by building new facilities in Hobart and Burnie, and expanding the current facility in Launceston.
Vos Construction and Joinery is also building the $8.9 million, 20-unit expansion of Thyne House, with works expected to be completed in December 2022.
Tenders have recently closed on a $14.2 million Y2I facility to be built in Burnie.
The Tasmanian Government recognises the housing struggles facing Tasmanians and is responding with a massive 10-year, $1.5 billion housing package – the largest housing investment in the State’s history.
This will deliver 10,000 new affordable homes and accommodation over the next decade to meet the diverse housing needs of Tasmanians, including youth, the elderly, those living with a disability, men, women and families.
But we also know that there are Tasmanians who are doing it tough and need support right now. That is why we are investing more than $36 million on wrap-around services to ensure those who need help now 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. In addition, $6.9 million has been allocated specifically for our Safe Spaces and connected support services, providing services and support to those who need it right now.
This is a government that is committed to securing the future of all Tasmanians.
If you are at risk of homelessness, please contact Housing Connect, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 800 588.
