Because the levels of homelessness are vast and complex, it is often easier to turn a blind eye than to face the truth head on.

However, there are always the subtle signs they are still here and still part of the community, whether its in the bundles of cardboard boxes shoved into alcoves or the entryways of vacant shops, or the shopping trolley full of belongings that has been left in a spot out of the way so they won't be thrown away.

Tasmania's housing crisis has slowly but surely been encroaching across the entire state but the fight against poverty and hardship has taken a historic stroke, with the news that the federal government will honour the deal made to senator Jacqui Lambie to wave the state's housing debt.

The federal government has issued some conditions to the waiver, saying that the money saved should be redirected to affordable housing initiatives to ensure benefits flow to those who need it.

Outspoken Tasmanian Senator Lambie struck the deal to ensure tax cut legislation promised by Prime Minister Scott Morrison passed in parliament in July but since then the government has played mum with any details on whether that deal would be honoured.

At present, Tasmania spends back half of its housing budget on repaying the debt, so freeing up those funds will make a significant difference to the capital available to ensure supply.

Tasmanian Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said it could lead to an extra 50 houses per year.

Why and how someone falls into hardship is a complex issue and one that won't only be solved with money and funding but ensuring there is an adequate supply of affordable housing is something that will go some way to solving the issue.

Let's hope we see those funds flow quickly and bolster the supply of housing that has already begun to trickle through. Roofs over people's heads is what is so desperately needed.