Increased assistance to house the homeless welcomed

Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett’s announcement of $300 million to support people in severe housing need is very welcome, says Lieut. Colonel Ian Hutson, Director of The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit.

“Although our first preference is always permanent housing, the state of the housing market at present demands a greater supply of emergency housing and associated support. The additional funding announced by Government today will help organisations like The Salvation Army provide emergency housing and related support services to more people,” Hutson says.

The Salvation Army is pleased Government appreciates that people in housing crisis often need intensive and specialised services to find and maintain stable, long-term housing.

“We hope this emergency housing funding will be further matched by additional announcements from Government increasing the supply of social and affordable rental housing plus home ownership assistance.”