Local stories highlighting Homelessness in Tasmania

Homelessness Week, held from 3 to 9 August 2026, is a national campaign that encourages Australians to better understand homelessness and take action to address it.

This year, Loreto Community Housing has partnered with local photographer Jackson Sommerville, better known as Jacko Takes Photos on social media, to share the stories behind the statistics and highlight the impact that safe, secure housing can have.

The photography and video storytelling project amplifies the voices of tenants, people with lived experience of homelessness, and professionals working to improve housing outcomes across Tasmania.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has shared their story,” said Bec Woolley, Loreto Community Housing Community Programs Manager.

“Their experiences help challenge misconceptions about homelessness and demonstrate the importance of safe, stable housing.”

While many people associate homelessness with sleeping rough, the reality is often far more complex. Homelessness can include sleeping in a car, staying on a friend’s couch, living in overcrowded housing, or remaining in accommodation that is unsafe or unsuitable.

People can find themselves homeless for many reasons, including financial hardship, family violence, relationship breakdowns, physical or mental health challenges, or because there is nowhere affordable and appropriate for them to live.

In 2022, an estimated three million Australians were considered at risk of homelessness, highlighting the growing pressure facing households across the country.

The need for housing support in Tasmania is significant. Figures show that one in every 91 Tasmanians has received homelessness assistance and on any given day around 2,000 people are being supported by specialist homelessness services.

At the same time, affordable housing remains out of reach for many Australians, with a national shortfall of more than 600,000 affordable rental homes.

“Increasing the supply of social and affordable housing is a critical step, along with improving income support, investing in early intervention programs, and ensuring people can access the services they need to maintain long-term housing stability,” says Bec Woolley,

“We know that when people have a safe place to live, they have a foundation to improve their health, strengthen family relationships, engage with education and employment, and participate in their communities.”

Loreto Community Housing is encouraging Tasmanians to challenge stereotypes about people experiencing homelessness and housing stress, support local housing and homelessness services, and advocate for policies that increase the supply of affordable housing.

“By listening, learning and showing compassion, we can help build stronger communities where everyone has access to a safe and secure home.”

For people experiencing homelessness or housing stress, assistance is available through Housing Connect on 1800 800 588, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information about Loreto Community Housing’s Homelessness Week campaign and to watch the video stories, visit www.lch.org.au/event/homelessness-week.