40,000 people homeless, government celebrates decision to build 51 houses

Friday, 30 September 2016, 4:00pm
Press Release: Save Our Homes Aotearoa

This morning’s announcement that the government would build 51 houses in Ōtāhuhu has come just in time for the end of winter.

The announcement comes after pressure on the government to respond to the crisis built through the winter with the Park Up For Homes movement, Te Puea marae and Manurewa marae opening their doors to the homeless, as well as statistics on the more than 40,000 people living homeless in Aotearoa.

The government is planning to move quickly with the 51 houses, projecting a 5-month build period. The question has to be raised why the government waited through the winter to make the decision, and why only 51 houses will be built.

It is of concern too that families will only be able to live in the houses for 12-24 weeks. Transiency in housing impacts the lives of many low-income families: children are forced to change schools, families are dispossessed of their community networks and resources.

Meanwhile the root causes of the housing crisis are yet to be addressed.

The government’s housing reforms since 2013 and Auckland Council’s Unitary Plan continue to rely on the private, profit-driven housing market. The market has not and will not be able to provide for everyone as this housing crisis is so painfully showing.

ENDS

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