MPs back homeless shelter

Kiri (left) and Kevin Swannell, with Labour MP and housing spokesman Phil Twyford, Labour MP Megan Woods and Ikaroa-Rawhiti Labour MP Meka Whaitiri at the Property Brokers building which has been offered for use as an emergency homeless shelter. Photo / Paul Taylor

Visiting Labour MPs have donated $100 toward the setting up of an emergency homeless shelter in Hawke's Bay, and challenged local leaders to get behind the cause.

Napier's Kiri and Kevin Swannell are behind the housing project, which would be a first for the region. It received a boost when Property Brokers last week offered its two-storey, 240sq m building on St Aubyn's St West, provided it could be relocated within a reasonable time frame.

Labour MP and housing spokesman Phil Twyford was in town for the day yesterday, with fellow MP Megan Woods and other members of his caucus.

Mr Twyford the Swannells at the Property Brokers building and donated $100, saying Napier "has no decent emergency housing".

"We're challenging community leaders to get behind this project, and the fundraising for this project, and make this dream a reality," he said.

"I want to congratulate [the Swannells] for the work you do - it's a really amazing contribution to the community."

Mr Swannell said he and his partner were still trying to find a piece of land located between Hastings and Napier to move the building to. They had also been quoted up to $100,000 to relocate the building.

Their Givealittle page had raised $3600 yesterday, and a donator had also pledged $5000 if the Swannells could find land in time. The 24-hour shelter would offer housing for families, rather than people who came alone. It would also advocate on behalf of homeless people, and provide transport to and from the facility.

"I think there will be a lot of support for it in Hawke's Bay, just given the fact this is the first shelter of its type in New Zealand," Mr Swannell said.

The couple run a soup kitchen, with any number of their six children, for the homeless in Napier's Clive Square on Monday nights.

They have helped to get six homeless people off the streets in the past seven weeks, including a couple with two young babies who were living in their car. For more information, search the key words "Limitless Hope" on Facebook. To donate funds for the building's relocation, visit: givealittle.co.nz/limitlesshope.