Amelie House, a new transitional housing facility for women at risk of homelessness in Hobart, has benefitted from a vital furniture and contents fit out worth $500,000 – all donated from a hotel marked for demolition.

Amelie House is run by St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania in a joint initiative with the Hobart City Mission. The donation resulted from discussions between the management of Ascott Limited Australia, the parent company of the Somerset on the Pier hotel, and SVdP Tasmania and assistance from Steve Devereaux from Housing All Australians.

Located in the heart of Hobart, Amelie House is a joint initiative between the Society and Hobart City Mission.

The donation comes at a crucial time as Tasmania grapples with a housing crisis, with women and children particularly vulnerable.

‘This donation of over $500,000 worth of furniture has helped us create a safe, dignified, and comfortable space for 43 women at risk of homelessness in Hobart,’ said Corey McGrath, SVdP Tasmania State President.

‘Amelie House is making a significant impact on their journey toward stability and independence. The significance of this donation cannot be overstated.
Without that furniture, we’d essentially be putting sleeping bags on the floor. This donation gives the women a sense of independence and dignity, providing more than just a place to sleep—it’s about creating a home.’

Before relocating in late 2023, the facility was previously a men’s transitional and crisis accommodation service.

Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, Ascott Limited Australia’s General Manager of Brand and Environmental, Social, and Governance, explained how the idea emerged:
‘We were closing down our property for refurbishment and had a surplus of high-quality furniture. Rather than letting it go to waste, we thought it made perfect sense to repurpose it for a good cause.’

The donation includes over 2,000 items, ranging from beds and TVs to crockery and white goods. It has enabled the facility to be outfitted at a fraction of the usual cost.

Amelie House has received further support from both private and corporate contributions, for instance the Neill family’s Select Foundation, which funded the purchase of 18 self-contained accommodation pods, ensuring that these units remain permanent housing stock for the women.

Corey McGrath highlights the importance of these partnerships:
‘Without private support, services like Amelie House wouldn’t be possible. These contributions help us meet the growing demand for housing in Tasmania.’

The Tasmanian government has committed $1.2 million to support the operational costs of Amelie House, a critical step in addressing the immediate housing needs of vulnerable women.

With plans to further develop the site in the future, Amelie House is part of a broader effort to combat homelessness in Tasmania.