A new youth housing facility in Hobart is generating attention not just for providing shelter but for fostering an environment that supports young people in building a brighter future. The Youth2Independence (Y2I) Campbell Street Facility, which opened in December, is proving to be more than just a place to stay—it’s a springboard for young people to thrive.
During a recent visit, Felix Ellis, the Minister for Housing and Planning, emphasised the positive impact the Y2I facility is having. “Y2I isn’t merely about offering a roof over someone’s head. It’s about laying the groundwork for them to lead their best lives,” Ellis said. The facility, which accommodates 26 young residents, is part of a broader effort by the Tasmanian Government to address youth homelessness with a focus on long-term support and development.
The Y2I Campbell Street Facility is a cornerstone of the Tasmanian Government’s strategy to assist young people transitioning to adulthood. Recognising that this period can be particularly vulnerable, the government has allocated £8 million towards crisis and transitional accommodation specifically for youth. “Our approach is to create education-first solutions that help young people become independent adults through success in education and training,” Ellis explained.
A key component of this strategy is “The Deal,” a programme within Y2I that encourages residents to work towards a Certificate I in Developing Independence. This initiative is designed to help young people explore and build skills tailored to their individual interests and talents. “The Deal isn’t a one-size-fits-all programme. It’s custom-built to match each young person’s unique skills and ambitions,” Ellis noted.
The government’s commitment to supporting young people extends beyond just providing housing. It includes a broader investment in essential support services. This investment helps fund 20 homelessness shelters and three Safe Spaces throughout the state. The recent visit also coincides with National Homelessness Week, underscoring the government’s ongoing dedication to ending homelessness through its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
The plan aims to deliver 10,000 social and affordable homes by 2032. As of the end of June 2023, over a third of this target has already been met, with 3,620 social and affordable homes completed. This includes 113 units dedicated to homelessness accommodation and 383 units for supported accommodation, among them the Youth2Independence facilities.
The Tasmanian Government invests over £5 million annually into the Y2I Campbell Street facility alone, which provides accommodation for 162 young people aged 16 to 24. There are currently four Y2I facilities across Tasmania—Launceston, Devonport, Clarence, and the newly opened site in Hobart. A fifth facility is under construction in Burnie and is expected to open soon.
This initiative demonstrates a comprehensive approach to addressing youth homelessness, combining immediate housing with long-term support and skills development. For anyone facing homelessness or in need of assistance, Housing Connect is available 24/7 at 1800 800 588.
The Youth2Independence programme stands as a testament to how targeted investment and innovative support systems can provide young people with the tools they need to achieve stability and success.
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#Hobart's #Youth2Independence Campbell Street Facility offers more than shelter, focusing on long-term support & skill-building for young residents, part of #Tasmania’s broader youth homelessness strategy. 🏠👫📚✨💼 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/emCeEPZhOZ
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