A charity overwhelmed by Rotorua's "explosive" homelessness issue is holding a unity march to dispel public stigmas and raise awareness.
Love Soup Rotorua has been given the go-ahead to host a unity march for homelessness next week at the Lakefront.
The aim is to highlight the "new face of homelessness", being families and young children, Love Soup Rotorua founder Gina Peiffer said.
"Over the last couple of months it has been explosive. On Sunday night alone we had five families come to us who were facing homelessness. It is no longer single men and the odd couple who are finding themselves in these difficult situations.
"To give it some perspective, in the last two weeks alone we've homed eight families and still have 27 on our books."
Mrs Peiffer attributed the growing issue to Rotorua's housing crisis.
She said the march was about breaking down the stigma of homelessness and the idea it does not exist in Rotorua.
Mrs Peiffer attributed the growing issue to Rotorua's housing crisis. Photo/Ben Fraser
"It does exist. It is very real. We have been running for three years and we're always on the go. I've had people say to my face they don't believe there's a problem in Rotorua - they think it's just druggies and alcoholics hanging down at the Lakefront. It's not."
Mrs Peiffer hoped all the people Love Soup had helped, or were currently helping, would attend the march.
"The families we work with are just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds more living in their cars, who are too afraid to come forward and get help.
"We want the general public to come along to talk to the homeless and listen to their stories so they can begin to understand what the situation is like in Rotorua.
"Homelessness is not biased."
Local woman Kathy Hawker is organising the march on behalf of the charity.
"I am passionate about what Gina and Elmer do for the community and want to help in any way I can.
"At the end of the day, if we all gave a little bit of extra help, we would all be better off. Everyone should be getting behind this."
Ms Hawker said she "absolutely" agreed homelessness was getting worse.
"I have heard some derogatory comments made about the homeless in Rotorua so this march will give people the chance to become a bit more aware of the real situation.
"The reality is, homelessness could happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime."
Unity march for Homelessness Rotorua Soundshell at the Lakefront Saturday, March 11 from 11.15am to 2pm. To raise awareness about homelessness in the city All welcome
