The Salvation Army is calling on New Zealanders to support its 2026 Winter Appeal, warning that an increasing number of children and whānau are experiencing homelessness as the cost-of-living crisis continues to place unprecedented pressure on household budgets.
Launched under the theme Hope for Homeless Families, the appeal aims to raise funds for frontline services that provide emergency accommodation, food assistance, financial mentoring and ongoing support for families facing housing insecurity this winter.
The organisation says more families are reaching crisis point as rising rents, higher food prices, increased power bills and ongoing financial pressures make it increasingly difficult to secure and maintain stable housing.
Child homelessness remains one of the country’s most pressing social challenges, with many tamariki living in overcrowded homes, temporary accommodation, motels, vehicles or relying on extended whānau because permanent housing is beyond reach.
The Salvation Army says no child should have to face winter without a warm, safe place to sleep and is encouraging New Zealanders to support services that provide practical assistance to vulnerable families. Funds raised through the appeal will help meet immediate needs while also supporting longer-term pathways into stable housing and financial independence.
The appeal comes as housing affordability continues to deteriorate for many households.
Higher interest rates have increased mortgage repayments for homeowners, but the impact is also being felt by renters as landlords face rising borrowing costs. Combined with inflation and increasing living expenses, many families are finding it harder than ever to keep a roof over their heads.
The Salvation Army has repeatedly warned that housing affordability is now one of the biggest drivers of hardship in Aotearoa. Earlier this year, it argued that proposed changes to social housing settings risk placing even greater pressure on households already struggling to make ends meet.
Its annual State of the Nation report also painted a sobering picture of wellbeing across New Zealand, highlighting that many indicators remain under significant strain despite signs of broader economic recovery.
For Māori communities, the challenge is particularly acute.
Māori remain disproportionately represented among those experiencing housing deprivation and homelessness, reflecting long-standing inequities in home ownership, income and access to affordable housing. Community organisations continue to stress that culturally appropriate housing solutions and greater investment in Māori-led initiatives will be essential to addressing these disparities.
The Salvation Army says solving homelessness requires more than emergency accommodation.
Long-term solutions include increasing the supply of affordable housing, strengthening income support, expanding mental health and addiction services where needed, and ensuring families have access to budgeting advice and wraparound social support before they reach crisis point.
As winter continues, the organisation is calling on individuals, businesses and communities to contribute to the appeal, saying collective action can make a tangible difference for families facing one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
For many whānau, the difference between homelessness and hope may come down to the willingness of communities to stand together when it matters most.
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