Social housing funds must make it to the front line

Tommy Wilson.

Bay social agencies are encouraged by the funding being pumped into housing but hope the money reaches the front line.

Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett said it would provide at least 750 more places for individuals and families on the social housing register.

Te Tuinga Whanau support service executive director Tommy Wilson said, "The key is this help reaches the frontline in social services."

What's allocated:

- $200 million for at least 750 more places for individuals and families with the most pressing housing needs, as well as meeting the costs of rising rents.

- $42 million will support 3000 emergency housing places a year and establish a new emergency housing Special Needs Grant.

- $36 million to ensure more families live in warmer, drier and healthier homes.