Repurposed facility to provide crisis and transitional housing for women

The St Vincent De Paul Society (Vinnies) and the Hobart City Mission (HCM) are celebrating the recent announcement of funding for 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 funding announcement in the 2024-25 State Budget is for operational costs and the project has been boosted by The Neill Family’s Select Foundation which has funded Vinnie’s purchase of the 18 self-contained accommodation pods at the rear of the building and important upgrades to the main building.

The refurbishment works are designed to create a welcoming and appropriate space for women.

A gift of $500,000 will enable Vinnies to continue to utilise these pods over many years, but in addition, the Foundation is contributing a further $500,000 for main building renovations at Warwick Street in partnership Housing All Australians.

Vinnies and HCM will deliver a 'light touch' transitional housing program, leveraging their combined expertise and resources and working closely with Hobart Women’s Shelter.

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

This is a unique model of collaboration that the organisations want to see more of in the future.

The Society’s President Corey McGrath said this much needed support for women experiencing homelessness, is a cost-effective solution to the housing crisis in our region and an example of Government, the community sector and philanthropy coming together to find solutions.

“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.

“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,” he said.

“While plans are in place to fully redevelop the site in the longer term, this cannot commence for several years. 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 excited 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 funding will help tackle the current need for crisis and transitional accommodation in the Greater Hobart area,” he said.