September 01, 2016
Whare Tauranga offering hope for homeless
Tauranga Maori are tackling the city’s homeless problem.
Tommy Wilson from Te Tuinga Whanau Support Service says separate programmes are needed for those living on the streets with mental and other problem, men recently out of prison and families with young children.
The service recently Whare Tauranga in two buildings given rent free by Tauranga Moana Trust.
Mr Wilson says it is a temporary home to 16 mothers and their children who need to be set on the path to secure housing.
He says throwing food parcels at short term motel stays isn’t working, and people need fixing first.
"You know you can get people into one whare fix them up work out what the problems are, give them a warrant of fitness because many of them don't have a good track record whether it's credit rating or just a letter saying they are fit for tenancy. All those things when we've got them for 8-10 weeks we can hopefully put them back together and place them back in the community so they don't come back," says Tommy 'Kapai' Wilson.
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