18th July 2012

Government needs to take responsibility for the Affordable Housing Crisis

There is a housing crisis in our communities and the underlying issues are being ignored.

Rightly or wrongly the Western Park Village, provides the only “affordable” and accessible housing option for many people who are not being housed by Housing New Zealand and who are unable to secure or sustain private rental housing. It is not alone – there are many other privately run Boarding Houses and other Caravan Parks that are also providing the accommodation of last resort for the hidden homeless of Auckland.

What is needed now is some real vision, leadership and bold decision making from government and all political parties to provide some real solutions. Let’s stop pointing the finger at others and start taking responsibility for addressing the housing crisis and homelessness in Aotearoa / New Zealand.

There is a desperate shortage of affordable rental housing in Auckland (a shortfall of 10,000 homes according to the Council’s 2012 Auckland Plan). Families literally have nowhere else to go.

Monte Cecilia Housing Trust provides a residential housing programme, affordable rental housing, advocacy and support for homeless families in South and West Auckland. It is a member of the Steering Group that works with the hub inside the Western Park Village to ensure residents have access to social services.

ENDS

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