Mara House provides 24/7 supported transitional accommodation for up to seven young women, aged 13 – 20, who are experiencing homelessness and don’t have a safe place to stay.
The young women who access our service have often experienced a family or relationship breakdown and may have been living in unsafe situations. Mara House offers a safe, comfortable, fun, and supportive space to stay, whilst the young women find their feet.
Staff work alongside the young women to identify goals, skills and capabilities, make connections within the community, and build confidence and self-belief. All of this helps to grow their readiness for independent living or family reunification.
The team has developed positive and collaborative relationships with the Colville Place team. Colville is another of Colony 47’s transition housing teams. This has supported better communication, culture and teamwork across the housing division.
In 2021-2022, the house has been generously supported by Hydro Tasmania, Kingborough Helping Hands, The Salvation Army, Country Women’s Association, Bunnings, Drysdale Tasmania and Queens Bakery. A shout out to Bunnings for assisting with property maintenance and providing fun and festive activities for the residents at Christmas. Thanks also to Hydro Tas for donating household items to the house. These donations have helped the team create a more welcoming environment for new residents.
The house is funded by the Tasmanian Government via Homes Tasmania.
”A place where people are cared for and safe.
- House Resident
”Mara is everything. Mara has been life-saving. I don't know where I would be without Mara.
- House Resident
Outcomes for young women from the house last year. During the 2022 – 2023 financial year, we:
Supported a total of 28 young women.
2 residents were engaged in part time employment and 17 were engaged in some form of education.
We made connections with The Link and Holyoake to offer internal Alcohol and Other Drugs support to young people.
