Seeking support in times of crisis

By Wendy Shaw

The importance of hope and community connection were highlighted as people shared their experiences of homelessness at an event in Launceston last month.

The sixth annual Housing and Homelessness Services morning tea and panel discussion was held to mark Homelessness Week 2026 at the Launceston Town Hall reception room on 3 August.

CatholicCare Tasmania’s Housing Connect team hosted the event for service providers, community housing providers and real estate agents to share knowledge, raise awareness and foster discussions on how to better support people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

CatholicCare’s Nic Green, regional coordinator for Housing Connect Support, said service providers participating in the panel discussion emphasised that collaboration is key to ensuring that “the people we are helping are getting the right supports from the right services at the right time”.

“The key messages from our lived experienced speakers were that help is available and to reach out to your mates for support,” he added.

Statistics and demographics of homelessness in Tasmania and the support available were also discussed.

Launceston City Council member Susie Cai said the event was “a powerful reminder that while homelessness remains a growing challenge, there are many dedicated organisations and individuals working tirelessly to provide support, hope and pathways forward. Most importantly, it reminded us that no one should feel ashamed to ask for help and that nobody should have to face hardship alone”.

“Thank you to everyone involved in organising this important event and to those who bravely shared their stories,” she said in a Facebook post.

“By having these conversations, we help break down stigma and remind people that there is always hope.”