One of Tasmania’s largest charitable organisations is closing the doors on its popular drop-in service because of a lack of funding.
The Colony 47 drop-in service has been a sanctuary for people suffering mental health issues and drug and alcohol addictions for the past 30 years.
It offers warm meals, entertainment and a roof over the heads of homeless or disadvantaged people four days a week.
Late yesterday, staff were notified of the service’s imminent closure.
Liberal spokeswoman Jacquie Petrusma says the news could not have come at a worse time.
“Over the past 12 months demand for Colony 47 Services has increased substantially as the living costs in Tasmania continue to rise so the Minister needs to seek an urgent briefing with Colony 47 to just understand their budget situation,” she said.
The Department of Health and Human Services says last year it entered into an agreement to provide $440,000 to Colony 47 over three years.
It says funding levels have not changed.
