Accommodation is a serious issue across Tasmania. With living costs rising and pressures in the housing market, affordable housing is a growing concern. Homelessness can affect anyone in Tasmania; the very young or elderly, families and single people, and people from all cultural backgrounds. Sometimes the challenges of homelessness are made even harder by other needs such as disability or health problems. Tasmania has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the country, with 1 in 66 Tasmanians requiring assistance for their housing and homeless concerns from 2015-2016.
There are three main types of homelessness; primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary homelessness is when people don’t have a safe place to stay (e.g. sleeping rough). Secondary homelessness is when people move from one place to another (e.g. emergency accommodation, shelters, “couch-surfing”). Tertiary homelessness is when people are staying in accommodation that is below good living standards (e.g. boarding houses and caravan parks).
Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) in Tasmania provide housing and accommodation. This includes:
- immediate emergency accommodation (including shelters),
- individual accommodation and placement support services for young people, and
- support services for people who are homeless to (re)establish themselves in independent living.
These services also provide information and advice, advocacy and financial support.
Housing Connect and Mission Australia have offices in the Clarence area and are more than willing to assist. Housing Connect is the one-stop shop for all your housing and support needs and provides everything from emergency accommodation to a long-term home. Housing Connect can help you with:
- applying for housing
- support and advice with your private rental, including bond and rent debts
- finding a bed for the night
- support and advice on how to stay in your home
- seeking help after family violence
- referring you to the community housing providers (like Mission Australia)
- information and advice on your housing options.
For more information and support, click on the links below or give one of these services a call!
Most shelter accommodation is accessed through Housing Connect.
Housing assistance and support for young people:
Clarence City Council Youth Services: (03) 6247 1230
Mission Australia Youthbeat: (03) 6236 7900
Colony47 Youth Solutions: 1800 265 669
ReachOut: Online/web based mental health support for young people
Headspace: (03) 6231 2927
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
General housing assistance (including young people and their families):
Colony47 Housing Connect: 1800 800 588
Salvation Army Housing & Homelessness Services: 13 72 58
Mission Australia Housing: 1800 269 672
Colony 47: 1800 265 669
Vinnies: 13 18 12
Centacare Evolve Housing: (03) 6173 0060
Resources & Services in Clarence:
Clarence City Council has created a Support and Care Contact card. This card outlines all of the relevant housing, food and service provision organisations within the municipality, that may be of some assistance to those experiencing homelessness. These can be forwarded to individuals or organisations, on request – For more information, contact Simon or Jane on 6217 9500.
Loui’s Van attend Clarence at the following sites, each week:
Tuesday nights:
Clarendon Vale Neighbourhood Centre – 5:45PM – 6:00PM
Warrane Mornington Neighbourhood Centre – 6:10PM – 6:30PM
Wednesday nights:
Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre – 7:30PM – 7:45PM