Wellington City Mission is encouraged by Wellbeing Budget
The Wellington City Mission welcomes the investment in
our community outlined in the New Zealand Government’s
Wellbeing Budget 2019.
The Wellington City Missioner,
Murray Edridge comments that, the Government’s increased
investment in Mental Health Services, and Housing First and
Transitional Housing initiatives will greatly support
Wellington’s most vulnerable individuals and families who
access The Wellington City Mission’s services every day.
“I think this is potentially the most
enlightened and genuinely caring budget we have seen from a
New Zealand Government for many years.” Murray
explains.
“We should commend the Government on
the thematic and holistic approach to budget aspirations and
objectives that they have taken.
The
areas that the budget have prioritised should be of concern
to every New Zealander and those that are directly affected
by, or work in these areas, will be greatly encouraged by
the possibilities envisaged by this
budget.
The investment that has been
committed to could be transformational for our communities
if its implementation and the funding decisions that follow
are as strategic and as targeted as the budget
is.”
Over the last year The Mission has seen
an increase in requests for housing support amongst a
community of people who also often seek support for their
mental wellbeing. Additionally, we expect that the delivery
of today’s Wellbeing Budget could have a huge impact on
the lives of many Wellingtonians who are experiencing
homelessness and need support to find a place they can call
home.
The Wellington City Mission will continue offering
assistance to people of all ages, ethnicities, and beliefs
through services such as our foodbank, drop-in centre, and
financial mentoring, along with social work support,
advocacy, and education. We also operate an elder care
residential facility called Kemp Home and Hospital.