Call for coordinated approach to homelessness

Auckland Council’s Social and Community Development Forum will turn its attention to the issue of homelessness at its next meeting on 3 March.

The existence of homelessness in Auckland is clearly a concern to many Auckland residents and the forum will invite many agencies who are involved with assisting the homeless, such as the Ministry of Social Development and Auckland City Mission, to be part of a discussion on how this issue can be addressed over the longer term.

Auckland Council already has a Homeless Action Plan 2008 -2013 which was developed with thirteen partner agencies.

The action plan highlights complex social issues relating to homelessness and takes a coordinated multi agency approach to helping move people into long term accommodation. The plan focuses on four key responses to reduce the prevalence of homelessness, which are: prevention, intervention, integration and independence services.

A significant amount of cross agency work has already been completed to manage the issue of homeless during the Rugby World Cup period and this will also be discussed at the forum.

“Homeless is a serious issue which can only be addressed by ensuring that a range of agencies work together to improve outcomes for people,” says Councillor Cathy Casey, chairperson of the council forum

“We want to open a dialogue with the key agencies who are involved in this issue about what we can do together to address homelessness in Auckland.”

Councillor Casey is also inviting Local Board members to attend the meeting, 9.30am, 3 March, in the Town Hall Reception Lounge, and be part of the discussion.

ENDS

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