While one Marae is closing its doors to south Auckland's homeless, another is opening in its place.

Te Puea Marae in Mangere has been taking in families, putting roofs over heads, giving them food and helping them apply for a more permanent home.

Now, Manurewa Marae is bringing in five portacom housing units, so it can pick up where Te Puea leaves off at the end of this month.

Trustee Rangi McLean said the first three units arrived on Friday.

"We're not going the supply and address the whole issue across the region. We're targeting our own community of Manurewa first and the flow over from Te Puea Marae."

McLean said they've got funding for the temporary housing units from the Wiri Licensing Trust and the Manurewa Local Board.

"The Port-a-homes are two bedrooms and we need to connect them up to amenities but we're awaiting for another two to be delivered."

He said that will happen this week - and then they have a few more creases to iron out before the doors open.