May 04, 2018
$100 million boost to tackle homelessness
The Government is to spend $100 million tackling homelessness.
Some $37 million will be spent by the Ministry of Social Development to increase housing supply this winter, including more than 1500 additional transitional, public and Housing First places.
Another $63 million over four years will be included in the May 17 Budget to expand and sustain Housing First, which provides wrap around services for the most vulnerable people and families who may be struggling with long-term homelessness or facing multiple and complex needs.
The spending was announced by Housing Minister Phil Twyford and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern this morning at Te Puea Marae in Mangere.
Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare says with its hands on response to homelessness Te Puea speaks to the conscience of the nation.
"We don’t want families in cars and on the street during winter, during such a cold time. We know long term we have to build homes, because that is what is going to meet the need of the housing crisis, but there are still those emergency cases that need to be addressed and this is one of those kaupapa," he says.
The government will support social housing providers, marae and other groups willing to put up temporary housing to address the most immediate needs, as Te Puea Marae has done.
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