Media release

July 2016

//

Social agencies support Unitary Plan’s intensification proposition

Social development agencies Airedale Property Trust and Lifewise are in favour of higher density housing, as was announced in the Unitary Plan today. The two agencies view the development of more high-density housing as a key aspect to ending homelessness in Auckland long-term.

Airedale Property Trust and Lifewise support people into permanent homes via Housing First, a model founded on the belief that housing is a basic human right, and is much more cost effective than maintaining people on the street. This approach is based on international evidence that when you house people first, then provide the support services they need to live independently, the cycle of homelessness stops.

The two agencies are adapting the Housing First model for Auckland, under the guidance of the Rough Sleepers Steering Group, which includes people who have experienced homelessness. However, affordable, available housing stock is integral to the success of the Housing First model in Auckland. With more homes being built under the Unitary Plan, Airedale Property Trust and Lifewise hope to be able to successfully home many more Aucklanders who are struggling.

“Having a home is the first step,” says Bruce Stone, Airedale Property Trust’s Chief Executive. “Ongoing support services also need to be considered, as people moving into new housing bring with them a range of complex personal and family needs.”

Airedale Property Trust and Lifewise work with the people they home long-term, providing support and services that address issues such as addiction, mental health and employment, to ensure they are able to lead healthy, independent lives.

Concerned about the natural population ‘churn’ through Auckland, as a result of migration, the two agencies, along with the Auckland Community Housing Providers’ Network, made a submission to Auckland Council responding to the Auckland Unleashed – Auckland Plan Discussion Document, in 2011.

The submission made to the Council highlighted that an approximate 70,000 people move in or out of Auckland each year. Compounded by the short-term nature of rental arrangements in Auckland Central, this movement creates social instability in central neighbourhoods, which has contributed to the rising homelessness in the area.

Intensification of housing in the Central Auckland area is also supported by the soon-to-launch Coalition for More Homes, which is headed by Generation Zero and Greater Auckland, and open to all businesses, organisations, housing advocates and individuals who want to see the Unitary Plan passed.

More affordable, available higher density housing will help to address such problems, by preventing isolation and encouraging those that Airedale Property Trust and Lifewise support into housing to reintegrate into society.

- Ends -

Editor’s note

About Airedale Property Trust

Established in 2009, Airedale Property Trust (APT) is a registered charitable trust providing property development, project management, property management and financial and accounting skills to a wide variety of community and commercial projects linked to the Methodist Church of New Zealand. It is, at its heart, a social enterprise, turning profits generated through its property and consultancy work into critical funding for its sister trusts Lifewise and Methodist Mission Northern. This funding enables Lifewise to focus on solutions to a wide range of social issues affecting New Zealanders today. APT is truly a 'for good' business.

Find out more at www.airedaleproperty.org.nz

About Lifewise

Lifewise are an Auckland-based community social development organisation, who develop new ways to solve challenging social issues, and work with families, older people, people with disabilities, and people at risk of homelessness to turn people’s lives around. Lifewise’s roots trace back to over 150 years ago within the Methodist Church of New Zealand, and the organisation has since changed and developed to meet the needs of Aucklanders as the city grows.

Focusing on the principle of interdependence rather than independence or dependence, Lifewise are recognised for their work providing sustainable solutions to social issues, rather than focusing on simply meeting immediate needs, in an attempt to address the root causes of social isolation and disadvantage. Lifewise offer services and support for individuals and families to imagine a better future and build their capacity to achieve that vision.

In order to make a tangible, long-term difference to issues surrounding homelessness, Lifewise works to an internationally acknowledged ‘Housing First’ model, and is working to influence homelessness intervention practice at a national level.

They also run Lifewise Merge Café, located on Karangahape Road, providing affordable, nutritious food for everyone. Merge Café encourages people from all walks of life to share food and conversation, and all proceeds raised go towards supporting people who need housing support. The café acts as a one-stop-shop, enabling people in need to access Lifewise’s staff and services, and providing a safe environment that embraces choice, dignity and respect.

Find out more at www.lifewise.org.nz

© Scoop Media