PRESS RELEASE

Date 28 October 2005
Topic Project Margin Update
Embargo none

After one year, a project set up to address the needs of Wellington's homeless, has seen 77 people housed.

"It's been an outstanding success," says Downtown Community Ministry Director, Stephanie McIntyre.

"Many people who have been housed were previously put in the 'too hard to house basket' but are now flourishing."

Half of those assisted have come from situations of rough sleeping, literally from sleeping on the streets, in parks or the town belt.

The transition into a new home, for some after 10 years with no fixed abode, is often a very anxious time.

Most people on Project Margin have long term alcohol or drug addictions or mental health issues that work against a successful move into independent accommodation.

"Those who have settled into homes have done amazingly well," said Ms McIntyre.

Project Margin is initially a two year project aimed to support those in Wellington city with a history of homelessness.

The project is run by Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) and two of its staff work fulltime on the project. They work closely with City Housing (WCC), Housing New Zealand and other agencies to find appropriate accommodation for its clients.

It has two years of funding from WCC has one year left to run.

ENDS

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