Living Pods expand support offering throughout Homelessness Week

A Tasmanian charity will help homeless men transition to their own rental properties with the help of Living Pods, providing a simulation of what it’s like to have your own space – and control over the remote control.

Ambassadors Jane Longhurst and Dave Noonan with Bethlehem House CEO Stephanie Kirkman- Meikle at the launch of Belthlehem House's Living Pods. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

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THE launch of Homelessness Week has coincided with the launch of Bethlehem House’s new accommodation option – 18 new Living Pods which will be used to house homeless men transitioning to independent rental accommodation.

R-L Ambassadors Jane Longhurst and Dave Noonan with Bethlehem House CEO Stephanie Kirkman- Meikle at the launch of Belthlehem House's Living Pods. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The pods are converted shipping containers and have all the essentials for living indecently – is a self-contained home with a bed, shower, toilet, wardrobe, fridge, heat pump, microwave and kettle – on a micro scale.

Three of the current residents shared their experiences during an open day event at Bethlehem House.

“It’s good to have your own space and not to have to share with the other blokes inside the

main house,” said one resident Daniel. “Especially having your own bathroom and being in control of the TV remote.”

Ambassadors Jane Longhurst and Dave Noonan with Bethlehem House CEO Stephanie Kirkman- Meikle at the launch of Belthlehem House's Living Pods. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

One pod resident, who had experienced 24 years of homelessness and needed an intensive support program to get ready for totally independent living, has already moved out into his own unit in Tasmania’s north.

“The Living Pods have been an excellent initiative of Communities Tasmania and we can’t

thank them enough for the increased capacity which they have given us,”, Bethlehem House CEO Stephanie Kirkman Meikle said.

“The Pods will be on site for three ears after which we will be moving the whole of Bethlehem House to a new location with increased capacity.

“We are currently in negotiations concerning the arrangements for supporting the men, now and in future years, paying particular attention to the need for mental health and addictions

support services as in-reach.”