Homes Tasmania provides supported accommodation opportunities for young people facing homelessness with the Youth2Independence (Y2I) program.
Homes Tasmania provides more than $5 million in funding into the Y2I program annually, delivering accommodation for more than 200 young people.
What is Y2I?
Y2I provides accommodation and support for young people (aged 16 to 24 years) to become independent.
Y2I is based on the international Education First Youth Foyer program, which supports young people to develop and succeed in education and employment and transition to independent young adults.
It recognises that each person has opportunities and resources that can be developed, has the right to make their own decisions and should be supported to work through the things that have limited them, all so they can enjoy a good life.
There are three Y2I pathways for young people based on their assessed need:
- Y2I facilities
- Y2I homes – cluster homes
- Y2I homes – share homes.
Each pathway provides accommodation for up to two years.
Rent is 25 per cent of the young person’s income.
To be eligible, a young person also agrees to ‘The Deal’. The Deal is an agreement between the young person and the Y2I service provider, outlining the roles and responsibilities of both the young person and the service provider.
Y2I facilities
Y2I facilities provide accommodation for young people who are ready to participate in education, training or employment. This could be:
- high school or college
- training with or without a certificate
- an apprenticeship, traineeship or employment.
Young people at Y2I facilities are supported to complete a Certificate I in Developing Independence (DI).
The DI recognises the unique skills and talents of each young person and supports their participation in six areas to achieve independence. In return, the young person enjoys safe, secure, supported and affordable accommodation.
Homes Tasmania has five Y2I facilities statewide, providing homes for more than 170 young people, building more opportunities to increase housing for young Tasmanians in need:
- Thyne House in Launceston (50 beds)
- Eveline House in Devonport (25 beds)
- Mooreville Rd in Burnie (26 beds)
- Trinity Hill in Hobart (46 beds)
- Campbell St in Hobart (26 beds).
Anglicare manages the Hobart, Launceston and Devonport facilities while Youth, Family and Community Connections manages the Burnie facility.
Y2I homes
Y2I cluster and share homes (Y2I homes) provides accommodation for young people who will benefit from living in a small, home-like environment. Y2I homes are located close to education facilities, transport services and retail outlets in the Burnie, Devonport, Launceston and Clarence municipalities.
Y2I homes are managed by CatholicCare Tasmania, statewide.
Y2I cluster homes
Cluster homes help improve the lives young people who are at risk of homelessness, including exiting shelters, statutory care or youth detention.
Cluster homes provide accommodation for young people who are not ready to live in a communal setting or to participate in education, training or employment.
There are four cluster homes across the state with five one-bedroom units plus an on-site manager unit at each.
Y2I share homes
Share homes provide accommodation for young people who are ready to live more independently in a shared household.
Share homes are located close to the cluster homes, ensuring young people can access in-reach support as required.
More information
To apply for the Y2I program, contact Housing Connect on 1800 800 588, Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.
Read more about Homes Tasmania’s housing and homelessness assistance programs.