Whangarei families needing emergency housing will find themselves on the streets if the trust that usually helps them does not receive more funding.
The Tai Tokerau Emergency Housing Trust, which could close as early as June, has been struggling financially for years.
Though 30 per cent of the trust's clients are referred by government agencies, the trust receives no government funding.
The chairman of the trust, Adrian Whale, however, remains hopeful the trust will find a way to keep operating.
"We've committed to keeping it open until June next year," Mr Whale said.
Last Thursday the trust made three staff, who had a combined 20 years of experience, redundant. It was a desperate move to cut costs by merging roles and creating one 30 hour a week position.
"It was a hard thing to do but I think the staff are kind of realistic," Mr Whale said. This year the trust is operating at a deficit of at least $15,000.
In a statement, a Ministry of Social Development spokesperson said there was no current funding provision available for providers of emergency housing.
The trust oversees seven self-contained units, usually occupied by families, at a former motel in Raumanga and a house for up to six single men in Regent.
In the year to June 2014, the trust had 149 applications and had to turn down 48 because of a lack of room.
In recent weeks the community has rallied behind the trust with a service of 20 churches in Whangarei collecting an offering of $4138.
"We should have a social conscience for those that are less fortunate than ourselves," secretary of the Whangarei Ministers Association, Lorne Campbell, said.