Housing for up to 40 women in need has been created in Hobart following the relocation of what was once a refuge for men.
Bethlehem House on Warwick Street will be given a new lease on life thanks to a $1 million investment from The Neill Family’s Select Foundation and funding from the state government.
The foundation funded the purchase of 18 self-contained accommodation pods at the rear of the building and important upgrades to the main building.
A gift of $500,000 will also enable Vinnies to continue to utilise the pods over many years, while a further $500,000 donation will allow for main building renovations.
St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) President Corey McGrath said the project will take advantage of the currently vacant facility and address 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,” he said.
“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.”
The facility will offer a mix of transitional and crisis accommodation, with residents entering an initial three-month agreement followed by rolling six-month leases for transitional participants and a night-by-night arrangement for crisis accommodation.
Hobart City Mission CEO Harvey Lennon said the two organisations have 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.
Vinnies has owned and operated Bethlehem House for more than 50 years, providing crisis and transitional accommodation to men.
The organisation says the development will deliver up to an extra 43 bedrooms, with a kitchen, bathrooms and living areas while plans are in place to fully redevelop the site in the longer term.
