More housing support for women facing homelessness

Women facing homelessness will have more transitional accommodation options with renovations underway at the former Bethlehem House.  

In collaboration with St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania and Hobart City Mission, the Tasmanian Government is investing $1.2 million into the housing program dedicated for women.  

Renovations at the former Bethlehem House site are underway, with the program expected to begin later this year.   

Minister for Housing and Planning, Felix Ellis, said the Tasmanian Government is providing increased assistance to women in need. 

“The program will ensure short-term accommodation is provided for around 40 women facing homelessness over the next three years, inclusive of meals and access to support workers,” Minister Ellis said.  

“More broadly, our investment of $45 million delivers 20 homelessness shelters, three Safe Spaces and transitional accommodation statewide. 

“To respond to our housing challenges, we need to think outside the box, and we want to look at the options that might be available for the temporary use of vacant facilities that can still provide appropriate accommodation in the short-term. 

“Identifying and using underutilised sites such as Bethlehem House is one way in which we can tackle our housing challenges and this program is a great example of collaboration within the sector.” 

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence, Madeleine Ogilvie, welcomed the program, saying the Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future supports women and children experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“We know that women can face homelessness for a range of reasons. We need to do more to provide accommodation options and support women particularly those in vulnerable circumstances," said Minister Ogilvie. 

"The Bethlehem House project will also complement the recently approved development in Argyle Street which will provide a further 38 beds of accommodation for women.

“The 2024-25 Budget provides funding for up to 100 additional rapid rehousing homes for those fleeing domestic violence. We are focussed on doing all we can to assist.  

"Providing additional support to women in need is a key priority of the Tasmanian Housing Strategy Action Plan 2023-2027, and will complement our commitment to delivering 10,000 more social and affordable homes by 2032."  

St Vincent de Paul has owned Bethlehem House for over 50 years. Before the site moved to its new facility on Harrington Street in November 2023, it provided crisis and transitional accommodation to men experiencing homelessness.