Charity Review Research On Homelessness In NZ
Auckland Charity Publishes A Review Of Research On Homelessness In New Zealand
Local charity Methodist Mission Northern, with a history of more than 100 years providing support for homeless people, today published the report 'Homelessness in New Zealand; a Discussion and Synthesis of Research Findings'.
This report takes stock of the current body of New Zealand 'homelessness' research, synthesises important findings across key empirical studies, and identifies key knowledge gaps that would benefit from further enquiry.
The release of the report coincides with the National Homelessness Forum taking place in Wellington today.
Methodist Mission Northern is committed to
developing its broad range of community services using
experience, research and best practice, and this report
represents one part of a wider body of work which the
Mission has undertaken to re-frame its response to
homelessness in Auckland.
Earlier this year Methodist
Mission Northern announced plans to extend its work with
homeless people, to move beyond addressing mainly primary
needs and to implement a new model focused on recovery.
John Murray, Director of Methodist Mission Northern, says evidence has shown that the charitable service model of 'hand outs', which has been the basis of the agency's shelter for homeless people on Airedale Street for more than 155 years, can perpetuate dependency in clients.
"Time and experience has shown that simply providing primary services or accommodation for homeless people, without helping them address the core reasons and causes of their situation, will not enable them to effectively transition back into mainstream society, as often basic life skills and anti-social behaviour issues compound successful integration."
The Centre will remain the lead provider of primary services for homeless people in the city, while at the same time working collaboratively with other agencies to provide services that support people to develop the necessary life skills and personal capabilities to be able to move onwards with their lives.
The full report is available as a PDF download on http://www.mmn.org.nz/Resources.htm
ENDS