Rotorua's homeless 'grateful' for Housing First

For three of Rotorua's homeless population, the opportunity to have a place to call home is "such good news".

Isaac Mitchell, Tylah Poi and Maria Hohaia are among the more than 50 people currently registered to stay at the city's homeless shelter and welcomed yesterday's announcement of Housing First launching in Rotorua.

"It's such good news and it will definitely benefit a lot of people," Mitchell said.

Poi said the announcement followed a lot of "hard work" they had seen first hand.

"It's great to see it's finally happened and gone from just being words to actual actions."

All of them said they were keen to get into a house as soon as possible.

"I have been saving for a car, so if they could help me get into a house then that would just be absolutely incredible and it would be a big step in getting employment," Poi said.

Tylah Poi, left, Maria Hohia and Isaac Mitchell are among Rotorua's homeless population who could benefit from Housing First. Photo / Ben Fraser

"It is so hard coming from the streets to get into a house, they just look at you like you're a risk."

Mitchell said the housing market was difficult enough for people who were transitioning from one home into another.

"We feel very lucky to have the support we do have and any help to get us through the next minutes, the next stages of life we are grateful for."

Hohia said she would move in today if she could.

"It would give us stability, and privacy and definitely having my own place to call home would give me my independence back."