15 November 2013

CPAG backs Salvation Army Housing report

Child Poverty Action Group says Salvation Army Housing Report 'Give Me Shelter' highlights the struggle of vulnerable families.

CPAG spokesperson Associate Professor Mike O'Brien agreed with the report's findings that called for a new approach to housing to help vulnerable children living in makeshift and temporary accommodation.

The Salvation Army report identifies many children and young people amongst the 30 per cent of New Zealanders struggling to access good quality, secure and affordable housing.

"It's very clear that vulnerable families are becoming more desperate, compounded by the increasing difficulty to make it on to the Housing New Zealand waiting list," says Mike O'Brien.

The Salvation Army's South Auckland branches are faced with homeless families arriving at their offices desperate for a place to live.

"Here is an opportunity for the government to develop a comprehensive Housing policy to provide affordable good quality rental homes."

The introduction of market rates and the accommodation supplement in the early 1990s lacked empirical evidence and Mike O'Brien says it was important that any policy review was supported with sound research.

"From all accounts the desperation of vulnerable families and children will only increase if the findings of this report go unheeded."

Mike O'Brien says the provision of good quality homes is fundamental to the wellbeing of vulnerable children.

ENDS

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