National Homelessness Week Shines Light on Southern Tasmania’s Housing Challenges
National Homelessness Week 2024 has commenced, bringing attention to the critical issue of
homelessness in Southern Tasmania. This year’s theme, “Homelessness Action Now,” calls for immediate
and coordinated efforts to address the housing crisis and provide support to those in need. In line with this
theme, Hobart City Mission is opening the doors of its Safe Night Space at 47 Davey Street, Hobart, on
Friday and Saturday, August 9th and 10th, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The open days provide a rare opportunity for the public to visit the Safe Night Space, a 365-day-per-year
shelter that has been a lifeline for many experiencing homelessness. Visitors will gain firsthand insights into
the realities faced by individuals without secure housing and the vital services offered by Hobart City
Mission.
Pattie Chugg, CEO of Shelter Tasmania, highlights the significance of National Homelessness Week.
“Homelessness Week is a national event held each year during the first week of August which aims to raise
awareness of people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face, and the actions needed to end
homelessness. Homelessness Week is more than just another week on the calendar, as we know that far
too many people live with the harsh realities of housing hardship and homelessness every day of the year.
The solutions are clear, and evidence shows that to reduce and eliminate homelessness we desperately
need to build more social housing that provides long-term safe affordable rental homes for all Tasmanians.
To alleviate the growing homelessness and housing insecurity in Tasmania, Shelter Tas advocates for
affordable rental, like social housing, to be increased from the current 6% to 10% of all dwellings, to keep
pace with growing need in our community.”
Ewan Higgs, Housing Services Program Manager at Hobart City Mission, underscores the urgency of the
situation. “At Hobart City Mission, we are dedicated to providing vital support and housing solutions. Our
Safe Night Space and other housing programs help hundreds of people each year. With extensive wait
times for social housing, the pressure continues to escalate on our sector to provide increased support.
Homelessness is a critical issue that requires immediate and sustained action. We need to be thinking
about economic wellbeing as well as health while giving people choice in their housing options. The time to
bring change is now. At Hobart City Mission, we rely on donations from the public to keep many of our
programs open and supporting those most in need. With over 1,600 people experiencing homelessness on
any given night, many sleeping rough or in inadequate accommodation, National Homelessness Week is
an important time to highlight the growing need for governments and the community to continue to work
progressively to ensure everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.”
Hanna Richardson, Safe Space Program Leader at Hobart City Mission, speaks to the compassionate
environment provided at the Safe Night Space. “Every night, we welcome individuals who are facing some
of the most challenging circumstances of their lives. Our team at Safe Day Space and Safe Night Space
provides not just shelter, but a compassionate community where people can feel safe and supported. We
are here to support people on their journey towards what a good life means for them. We respect their
decisions and provide as much kindness, respect, acceptance, and support as we can. People who use our
services are incredible human beings, with amazing stories of resilience, triumph, and often heartbreak and
trauma. By providing a safe day and night space for them, we are providing a foundation from which they
can find hope for each new day and access to services to achieve their personal goals.”
Lynda, a participant in Hobart City Mission’s Mountain View housing program, shares her transformative
experience. “I was sleeping rough for six to seven months. Basically, it started when the house I was living
in was sold, and then I ended up sick and in hospital for a little while. I got out of hospital and had nowhere
to go, and I found shelter, pretty much under a tree. I was sleeping in an old sleeping bag, and I had two
changes of clothes. I would try to sleep during the day because when it came to the night-time, I would
always feel that someone would try to steal from me or cause trouble. Anxiety, stress, sleeplessness,
barely eating, no medication—so after a while, my health went downhill. I felt ashamed. Then a worker
helped me find Mountain View. I had my own room, my own shower—just having a roof over my head. I
can get a fresh cooked meal twice a day, and it’s a good community. I know that I can go to Hobart City
Mission and get help. I am just so thankful.”
Hobart City Mission invites the community to engage with the issue of homelessness and to see firsthand
the efforts being made to support those in need. The open days at Safe Night Space on August 9th and
10th aim to educate the public about homelessness and encourage community involvement in creating
solutions.