Organisations unite to provide crisis and transitional housing for Tasmanian women

The St Vincent De Paul Society (Vinnies) and the Hobart City Mission (HCM) are partnering on a proposal to deliver a transitional housing program at the site of the former Bethlehem House in Hobart for up to 40 women experiencing – or who are at risk of – homelessness.

The project will be partially funded by The Neill Family’s Select Foundation which has already purchased the 18 self-contained accommodation pods at the rear of the building to keep these in Tasmania as permanent housing stock.

This gift of $500,000 will enable Vinnies to continue to utilise these pods over many years, but in addition, the foundation is prepared to contribute a further $500,000 for main building renovations at Warwick Street as soon as funding of the operating costs is confirmed .

Vinnies and HCM have sought the support of all Tasmanian 2024 election candidates and parties to cover the full net costs of operating the program. 

The Vinnies and HCM proposal will deliver a 'light touch' transitional housing program, leveraging their combined expertise and resources. Due to the philanthropic support of Mr Neill, the already established accommodation facilities and the proposed ‘light touch’ model, the annual operating cost is expected to be about $1.2 million.  

The Warwick Street site is considered an “ideal candidate” for a transitional/crisis housing program in line with the Tasmanian Housing Strategy Action Plan 2023-27.

The proposal takes advantage of the currently vacant facility while actively addressing the urgent need for crisis and transitional accommodation in the greater Hobart area.

Vinnies Chief Executive Officer Heather Kent said the demand for social and affordable housing in Tasmania outweighed the available resources. 

"In addition to providing much-needed support for women experiencing homelessness, this program offers a cost-effective solution to the housing crisis in our region,” she said.

“With a budget of $1.2 million per annum, this light-touch model represents a prudent investment in the well-being of our community.

“By providing transitional housing and support services, we can prevent individuals from falling into the cycle of homelessness, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars in the long run.”

Vinnies has owned and operated Bethlehem House for more than 50-years, providing crisis and transitional accommodation to men.

Ms Kent said with the recent development of the “new” Bethlehem House in North Hobart, this proposal presented the perfect opportunity to now support women in need. 

“The heritage building and its extensions, including the accommodation pods at the rear of the building, delivers up to an extra 43 bedrooms, with a kitchen, bathrooms and living areas,” she said.

 “While plans are in place to commence redevelopment of the site in the longer term, this cannot commence until later in 2027. We don’t wish to see the site unused in the meantime, particularly in a housing crisis where too many women are seeking a home that is safe and secure as they rebuild their lives.” 

Hobart City Mission Chief Executive Officer, Harvey Lennon, said the two organisations had significant experience in operating crisis accommodation programs. 

“We are keen to work alongside Vinnies to support a new transitional housing program at the Warwick Street site,” he said.

“Residents will enter an initial three-month agreement, followed by rolling six-month leases for all transitional participants, with a night-by-night arrangement for any crisis accommodation.

“The program will draw upon existing resources of HCM and Vinnies to deliver individual case management. This includes access to HCM’s Day Safe Space, HCM’s Housing Connect team and HCM’s Mountain View team plus support from the Vinnies team at this centrally located site which has proven valuable for its proximity to services and supports for over fifty years.”

This opportunity presented at the currently vacant “old” Bethlehem House will tackle the current need for crisis and transitional accommodation in the Greater Hobart area and the objectives and priorities of the Tasmanian Housing Strategy.