Housing Connect is Tasmania’s entry point to housing assistance and support and helps people in need find safe, affordable and secure accommodation.
Homes Tasmania has improved the Housing Connect system to deliver better access to housing assistance, helping people develop strong connections to family and community and building their capabilities for independent living.
The improvements to Housing Connect were co-designed by Homes Tasmania and the housing and homelessness sector and included four major changes:
- More ways and places for people to get the help they need to find, and keep, safe, affordable and appropriate housing.
- Services and supports that are shaped for each person’s individual circumstances and life stage.
- Actions to increase the range of housing assistance options.
- Skilled and supported staff delivering an Advantaged Thinking approach to providing support to people seeking help.
Implementing the improvements
The improvements to Housing Connect were introduced in two stages.
Stage 1 included the rollout of the new service model from 1 July 2024, delivering tailored, personalised support to people in need of housing assistance. It also included a range of new roles to help people reach their housing goals, including:
- Connections coaches who connect people experiencing housing crisis and stress to community supports and resources, to build their capabilities to live independently.
- Key development coaches who provide intensive support to help people with problems that can be overwhelming and get in the way of finding and keeping a home.
Stage 2 included the introduction of the new website on 12 October 2026. The website includes two components:
- a user-friendly website where people can find information and apply for assistance, and
- an IT system for Housing Connect and Specialist Homelessness Service staff that provides an efficient and effective information management system to support the new services.
A comprehensive Housing Connect Practice Framework that details the improved service model for staff can be downloaded here.