Transitional housing is now a major focus for Hawke's Bay charity Christian Love Link.
In its 30th year, the interdenominational group of volunteers supplies 12,000 household goods a year to those in need.
"We have a team of 40 volunteers putting in nearly 6000 hours every year to do this work," operations manager Ian Jones said.
"Every week we hear of people living in motels or whatever.
"When they do get a house they have got nothing to put in it - they'll have their clothes and a suitcase.