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Christchurch, Tauranga fight homelessness

Author
NZN,
Publish Date
Fri, 2 Feb 2018, 4:22PM
Associate Housing and Urban Development Minister Jenny Salesa says the Government firmly believes that every New Zealander has a right to a warm, safe and dry home. (Photo \ Getty Images)
Associate Housing and Urban Development Minister Jenny Salesa says the Government firmly believes that every New Zealander has a right to a warm, safe and dry home. (Photo \ Getty Images)

Christchurch, Tauranga fight homelessness

Author
NZN,
Publish Date
Fri, 2 Feb 2018, 4:22PM

The fight against homelessness has expanded into Christchurch and Tauranga as providers are selected as part of the expansion of the Housing First programme.

The Housing First model places homeless people 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.

Associate Housing and Urban Development Minister Jenny Salesa says the Government firmly believes that every New Zealander has a right to a warm, safe and dry 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" she said.

"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 Christchurch proposal is a collaboration model led by Christchurch Methodist Mission, in co-ordination with Comcare, Emerge Aotearoa and Otautahi Community Housing Trust.

The People's Project Tauranga, a subsidiary of the Wise Group, was chosen as the successful provider in Tauranga.

"There will be 100 places available in each city for chronically homeless people urgently in need of help," Ms Salesa said.

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