The Government’s announcement this morning to significantly invest in Housing First recognises the work of services such as The People’s Project in Hamilton, and the significant work happening within other Housing First services throughout the country.
Wise Group joint chief executive Julie Nelson said the team is delighted to see the Government’s support for and ongoing commitment to the Housing First approach.
“Housing First works,” Ms Nelson said. “The People’s Project has been using Housing First in Hamilton since 2014 and has supported more than 880 adults and families with children into homes. In addition, The People’s Project was recently selected by the Ministry for Social Development to be implemented in Tauranga, and this service will start in June.”
Housing First is an evidence-based approach which prioritises finding a person a home first and then providing the wraparound support needed to sustain their tenancy and reduce the risk of future homelessness. The approach recognises that it’s easier for a person to address issues such as addictions and to better manage mental health, once they have a home.
“Having a stable home is just the first step. Once people are housed, The People’s Project provides support to ensure each person is linked to the right services to meet their physical and mental health needs and promote health and wellbeing.”
Ms Nelson said sustainable funding for Housing First services will ensure more support can be provided for longer to some of the most vulnerable people in New Zealand.
“The real winners of this announcement are the people in our communities who will benefit from this significant investment. We must never lose sight of this,” Ms Nelson said.
Read the full announcement on the Beehive website: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/100-million-tackle-homelessness
