Few people understand that work better than Belinda Jones, the Manager of Housing Support Programs at Homes Tasmania.

For three decades, Belinda has been helping shape Tasmania’s homelessness system – from working on the frontline with people in crisis to designing services that support Tasmanians today.

It all began almost by chance.

Belinda had planned to build a career in family violence support, but when a new Housing Outreach Worker position became available with Anglicare in 1995, her colleagues encouraged her to apply.

“They said, ‘We need some good women in our homelessness services, you should apply’,” she recalled.

“So I did – and therein started my career in the homelessness sector.”

That pioneering outreach service would eventually evolve into today’s Housing Connect service, meaning Belinda has worked in or alongside one of Tasmania’s most important housing support services since its beginning.

Over the next 25 years with Anglicare, Belinda progressed to become State Manager, overseeing Housing Connect, supported accommodation services and youth homelessness programs.

About seven years ago, Belinda made the move to Housing Tasmania – now Homes Tasmania – as Project Manager for the Housing Connect reform process before taking on her current role.

“I thought I might take a step back from management because those roles can be very hectic – that didn’t last very long,” she laughed.

Looking back over 31 years, Belinda says one thing has changed dramatically: the availability and affordability of housing.

“When I started, I can remember helping 16-year-olds secure private rental accommodation,” she said. “That would be near impossible today.”

Belinda has worked in or alongside Housing Connect since its inception.

Among her proudest achievements is helping establish Burnie Lodge, Tasmania’s first Supported Accommodation Facility.

“I remember of lot of people saying to me, ‘This type of accommodation won’t work, it is too hard’,” she said. “Well, it did work.”

Anglicare followed that first service with another seven adult supported accommodation facilities and three youth facilities – all of which are still operating today and continue to house people who had previously experienced chronic homelessness.

“I used to visit those sites regularly because they were such a great reminder of why we did what we did.”

After more than 30 years, Belinda still arrives at work with the same motivation that inspired her in 1995.

“I really value being able to contribute to providing high-quality services for people experiencing homelessness,” she said. “Knowing we can improve not only individual outcomes but also the broader system keeps the work meaningful.”

Her advice to anyone considering a career in the sector is simple: come with curiosity.

“You become a bit of a Jill of all trades,” she says, pointing to the breadth of experience the work provides, from mental health and family violence to tenancy and income support.

“If you’re curious, enjoy problem-solving, and want a career where no two days are the same, it’s a fantastic sector to be part of.

“It is challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding careers you could choose. And you work with incredible people who genuinely care about making a difference. You will not find a more dedicated and hardworking group of people.”