13 June 2023
Guy Barnett, Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing,
The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to helping more young people at risk of homelessness to gain access to supported accommodation while helping to build their skills as independent young adults.
The Government is expanding the Youth2Independence program with $5 million to provide smaller, home-like environments for young people aged 16-24 who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Guy Barnett, Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing said that stable, supported and affordable housing is the critical foundation for young people to engage in education and employment and transition into independent young adults.
“Y2I Homes is delivering 20 new modular one-bedroom units across four sites, plus 10 larger public housing properties, each of which will have a minimum of three bedrooms,” Minister Barnett said.
“The four cluster home sites – in Burnie, Devonport, Launceston and Clarence – each provide five studio units and access to shared amenities, with a sixth unit to house onsite support staff.
“The use of modular unit construction for this project demonstrates how the Government is adopting tailored, innovative solutions to deliver housing needs for Tasmanians.
“Y2I Homes consists of onsite 24/7 support staffing for residents in the cluster homes and outreach support for residents with low support needs living in the share homes, which will be located nearby. The program supports about 50 young people every two years.”
The modular units have been built, delivered and installed by local company Podmatrix.
“I’m also pleased to announce that CatholicCare Tasmania has been awarded the contract to manage the new Y2I Homes program.” Minister Barnett said.
“CatholicCare Tasmania delivers a range of programs around the state, including counselling, housing, family and parenting, early learning, and emergency and crisis services.
“The cluster home sites have been chosen because they are close to education facilities, transport services, retail outlets and are secure.
“The first tenants will move into the Devonport and Launceston units on 1 July 2023 with the Burnie and Mornington sites expected to be complete shortly after.
“These homes form part of the Tasmanian Government’s ambitious $1.5 billion plan to build 10,000 homes by 2023 which includes 1500 new homes by 30 June 2023.
“Y2I Homes expands our very successful Youth2Independence program, which currently provides 121 beds across three sites – 46 beds at Trinity Hill in Hobart, 50 at Thyne House in Launceston, and 25 at Eveline House in Devonport,” Minister Barnett said.
We encourage anyone who is homeless or is at risk of homelessness to contact Housing Connect, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 800 588.
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