Auckland's homeless receive $2 million emergency housing boost

Paula Bennett said emergency housing would make a real difference to those living rough. Photo: Nick Reed

A further 120 homeless people are set to be shifted into short-term housing in Auckland under a Government funding boost for emergency housing.

Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett announced a $2 million top-up for emergency housing in September.

Today, she said community organisation Emerge Aotearoa had won the tender process and would provide 30 places for individuals or families for up to 12 weeks. They would be able to house 120 people, including parents with children.

In the past, motels have been used as emergency housing, but Emerge is expected to place the 120 people in housing units which it owned or leased.

The organisation would work with the tenants to help them find long-term housing after their 12-week stay. Tenants would also be linked up with other social services, including welfare, education or job support, or addiction treatment.

This support continued for three months after they had left emergency housing.

Ms Bennett said emergency housing would make a real difference for some people, but the Government's main priority remained on increasing the supply of social and affordable housing in the city.

The Government has partnered with the Auckland Council on the issue, and the council has contributed a further $250,000.

Mayor Len Brown welcomed the progress on emergency housing, while emphasising that there was still much more to do.