Homelessness walk shows support for a growing number of Tasmanians

The St Vincent De Paul Society (Vinnies) held its annual Homelessness Awareness Walk from City Park Rotunda to Royal Park in Launceston today as a part of Homelessness Awareness Week which commenced on 5 August

Wednesday 7 August
Starting at City Park Rotunda 10.30am
Arriving at Royal Park approximately 11am

The walk is a partnership with the Launceston City Mission, The Salvation Army and Shelter Tasmania, with members of the community sector coming together on the day to show their support.

The 2024 Homelessness Awareness Week theme is ‘homelessness action now’ and organisations across the sector are advocating for more support to those experiencing homelessness, including the issues they face and the action needed to implement effective solutions.

The last census figures showed 2,350 Tasmanians to be homeless, a 45 per cent increase from the previous Census, and we know that those statistics have only continued to grow since that time.

The Society’s Tasmanian President Corey McGrath said the cost of living crisis would mean that number is now considerably higher, with the Society seeing an 18 per cent increase in requests for emergency relief so far this year.

“We have seen just more than 3,500 Tasmanians come through the doors seeking emergency relief since January this year, compared to 2,900 at the same time last year,” Mr McGrath said.

“People could become homeless for many reasons including loss of income or employment, the lack of affordable housing and family breakdowns, including domestic violence.

“For some Tasmanians homelessness is temporary, but for too many others the pursuit of safe, affordable and secure housing is incredibly difficult. These people go far too long without a place to call home and the impact on their lives is dramatic.

“This is an important event as it provides everyone who attends with an opportunity to hear from those who have experienced homelessness.

“It delivers scope to understand the work that is being done by individuals and organisations attempting to assist those currently experiencing homelessness, while also deepening awareness that so much more is still to be achieved.

“We have reached a critical point in Tasmania where we are in desperate need of social and affordable housing to assist the exponential number of people experiencing homelessness.”

Vinnies is encouraging all governments to continue to work together to solve the pressures of homelessness, with more more work needed to be done.

The event included the City Mission Snag Chat Van, Salvation Army Street Beat Van and the Vinnies Van providing free sausages, soups and hot drinks.