Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

The People’s Project Welcomes Endorsement of Housing First

The People’s Project Welcomes Government’s Endorsement of Housing First.

Today’s announcement by Government of a $9 million investment over two years to support the most vulnerable New Zealanders’ housing needs, has been warmly welcomed by The People’s Project.

The package includes $3 million for Housing First, a proven international model which recognises that it is more successful for people to address the issues that lead to homelessness once they are housed. The People’s Project adopted the Housing First model for its successful community-wide response to ending homelessness in Hamilton.

People’s Project lead, Julie Nelson, says “We are delighted that the Government has recognised the success of the Housing First model and has included it in this new package to support better housing outcomes.”

“The People’s Project has adapted the Housing First model to meet the unique needs of New Zealanders. The priority is to rapidly move people into appropriate housing and immediately provide wrap-around services to address the issues that have led to someone’s homelessness.”

“In Hamilton, we work directly with people to connect them with accommodation, income, employment and other community support services they may need to help them return to independent living.”

Since its establishment in August 2014, The People’s Project has housed 218 people and supported 251 to seek their own housing solutions. An impressive 93 per cent of those housed remain in their own homes. This multi-agency approach was a direct response to the public’s concerns about safety in the inner city and the number of people who were sleeping rough on the streets.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Two years on, what we know about homelessness is that only a very small percentage of people are sleeping rough on a regular basis. Our experience is that around 5 per cent have been on the streets for a year or more and their situation is often complicated by mental health, trauma or addiction issues.”

“What’s growing, is the number of transitionally homeless. Those people who find themselves homeless or about to become homeless as a result of a variety of issues, including debt and domestic violence. In Hamilton, this group represents around 80 per cent of the homeless population.”

The People’s Project believes the flexible fund announced by Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett today and its two main initiatives, including Housing First, are a positive step towards addressing the social housing issue in New Zealand.

“Homelessness is a complex issue, but it can be solved when communities and agencies work together,” says Ms Nelson. “We have seen it in Hamilton with The People’s Project and applaud the Government in bringing the Housing First initiative to Auckland.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.