Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Fight against homelessness expands
Fight against homelessness expands into Christchurch
and Tauranga
Providers
have been selected for the expansion of the successful
Housing First programme in Christchurch and Tauranga,
Associate Housing and Urban Development Minister Jenny
Salesa announced today.
“This Government firmly believes that every New Zealander has a right to a warm, safe and dry home. When people are homeless it strips them of their dignity and hope,” Ms Salesa says.
The Housing First model is focussed on ending homelessness – not managing it. It’s an internationally recognised approach to working with people who have been homeless for a long time.
It places them into long-term housing immediately with no readiness conditions and then provides support services to help address issues such as mental health and substance abuse, so they can stay in their home.
“This approach to ending homelessness is working in Auckland. A pilot has been running in the city since March 2017, and so far, 176 Housing First participants have been placed into secure and stable accommodation.
“We’re hearing from participants that having the stability of a place to call home has made all of the difference in changing their lives around.
“The expansion of Housing First into regions of the country that desperately need support for their homeless population is a step in the right direction in ending chronic homelessness.
“The successful Christchurch proposal is a collaboration model led by Christchurch Methodist Mission, in co-ordination with Comcare, Emerge Aotearoa and Otautahi Community Housing Trust,” says Ms Salesa.
“The People’s Project Tauranga, a subsidiary of the Wise Group, was chosen as the successful provider in Tauranga. The Wise Group is a family of charitable organisations and one of the largest providers in the New Zealand mental health and addiction sector.
“There will be 100 places available in each city for chronically homeless people urgently in need of help,” says Ms Salesa.
More information on the Housing First pilot in Auckland is available here: https://www.housingfirst.co.nz/
Gordon Campbell: On The Hikoi Aftermath
Greenpeace: New Zealand Drops In Global Ranking On Climate Action
PSA: Spending Cuts Need To Stop - PSA Urges Govt To Listen To Economists
Stats NZ: National Population Estimates: At 30 September 2024 (2018-base)
NZ Government: New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Surf Life Saving NZ: Volunteer Lifeguards Make Big Effort To Keep Us Safe, As Paid Lifeguard Service Commences In Northern Region
Action Station: Biggest Ever Community Petition, With Over 200,000 Signatures, Opposes Treaty Principles Bill
