Shelter for Homeless making impact

NEW PATHWAY: Tauranga Moana Nightshelter manager Annamarie Angus is helping turn around the lives of the city's homeless. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN

Tauranga's homeless are flocking to the city's new nightshelter, with some already on the path to turning their lives around.

In just over a month the shelter has gone from supporting five men to now being at near capacity - often with only three spare beds.

Manager Annamarie Angus said it was all about word-of-mouth and people hearing that the nightshelter was secure and respectful. No one had been turned away and the police had never been called.

"It has gone much better than we anticipated," she said.

Initial suspicions from the homeless that the nightshelter would place too many demands on them had proved groundless.

Although the doors were open from 4pm to 9pm, most people arrived in plenty of time for tea, have a shower, watch a bit of TV and go to bed. The routine had been beneficial for some of the men who had grown sick of sleeping rough but could not find a way out.

Ms Angus said those men had been so ready for the nightshelter that in just two or three weeks their whole presence had changed and they were ready to take the next steps towards permanent accommodation.

"It has been quite amazing."

Once homeless started staying longer, they had to go through a goals assessment programme where they could access other services outside the nightshelter.

Trustee Mike Mills said every post had been a winning post. Support from the community had exceeded expectations, with one person even direct crediting a fixed amount every month to pay for the truly destitutes' accommodation. "People are rocking up to the door with bags of food or clothing."

Mr Mills said the staff were outstanding and had not encountered any major barriers from government agencies.

And the potential problem of homeless congregating in the cul-de-sac after doors closed for the night had not eventuated.

City partner Nutech Security patrolled the area at no cost.

He said the homeless had been unfailingly polite, with no issues of people turning up drunk and creating a disturbance. "Everyone's on their best behaviour ... they get stuck in and do their bit, there is a real sense of pride."

Mr Mills said it was not a boarding house for long-term accommodation but a time for people to make meaningful choices about their lifestyle.

Tauranga Moana Nightshelter achievements
• Worked with 25 of the city's 40 to 60 homeless.
• 433 sleepovers since opening on September 9.
• Longest stay by a homeless man, 34 nights.