Coronavirus crisis exacerbating problems facing Tasmania's young people

Without secure housing, they could also be at greater risk of both catching and spreading coronavirus.

Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania

YNOT has requested more detail from the Tasmanian Government about the delivery of $1 million for emergency accommodation, announced last month as an initial coronavirus measure.

YNOT chief executive officer Tania Hunt said the state already had a youth homelessness problem before coronavirus.

"We know that casuals who have worked less than 12 months with an employer are not eligible for additional support, which may impact on their ability to pay rent," she said.

"Those young people who have been resourceful and are experiencing couch surfing and are staying with extended family and friends may be asked to move on because of COVID-19.

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"We're calling on the state government to ensure that some of that $1 million investment goes towards supporting young people facing homelessness.

"It is not clear to us yet where that money will actually go."

Wednesday is Youth Homelessness Matters Day - a national campaign seeking to raise awareness of the issue with governments and the community.

It was still early to determine the extent of the impact coronavirus has had on Tasmania's youth homelessness problem.

A spokesperson for Communities Tasmania said the $1 million had been added to the Emergency Relief Fund for the Red Cross, Rural Business Tasmania and the Salvation Army for food hampers, financial counselling and other support.

"In terms of accommodation, Tasmania's shelters and youth supported accommodation facilities continue to operate and brokered emergency accommodation continues to be provided through our Housing Connect partners in the north and south of the state," he said.

The government is providing new youth foyers in Burnie and Hobart, and will be expanding Thyne House and a new youth at risk facility in Launceston.