Today is the first day of winter – when daily life becomes even colder and more unbearable for the dozens of children across Hobart who will wake up in cars this morning. These are children who are completing homework in the back of their family car each night, then waking up cold each morning, without a warm shower, and unsure how they’re going to get to school. It’s a devastating and all-too-common story, and one that has been shared by Hobart City Mission as it kicks off

We already know some of the solutions that actually end homelessness. One is called Housing First, and the evidence for it is compelling. The opportunity is now for us to work together to make it a reality in Tasmania.

Yesterday morning, we officially launched our new Rinse, Repair, Rewear program at the Moonah Mega Store, marking an exciting step forward in how we maximise the value of donated goods and reduce waste.

“Today we begin operating with only half the Federal funding we had yesterday, while the need in our community is the greatest it has ever been,” Harvey said. “Without urgent action, we will be forced to turn away 200–300 people each month, including pensioners, single parents, working people on low incomes, and those experiencing homelessness.”