Tauranga homeless shelter now open

Members of the Tauranga Moana Night Shelter Trust at the opening of Tauranga's first homeless shelter for men. Photo/Ruth Keber.

The official opening and blessing of Tauranga's nightshelter took place today in the former youth hostel in a cul-de-sac at the bottom of Elizabeth St.

It will be followed from as early as tomorrow by the nightshelter taking in its first homeless men where they will be offered beds and confined to the premises from 10pm to 8am.

The opening followed the city council agreeing to a change of use for the reserve occupied by the former hostel buildings. This opened up the sale and purchase agreement between the Tauranga Moana Nightshelter Trust and the Youth Hostel Association.

Trust spokesman Mike Mills said recently that council negotiations to purchase the buildings had gone well and there would be enough money left over to provide a financial cushion during the nightshelter's establishment phase.

Mr Mills said the nightshelter would not open until security requirements had been met and neighbours were confident. Homeless people would not be allowed to loiter in the cul-dec-sac and they could only be in the area to enter and exit the nightshelter.

Inappropriate behaviour and loitering would be dealt with by staff or the police.

The nightshelter would reduce the number of people sleeping rough and would be alcohol and drug free, with a supervised area for smoking cigarettes, he said.

Once the homeless had checked into the nightshelter they had to stay there until the morning, with the facility closed and secured from 10pm to 8am.

Newly appointed manager Annamarie Angus has worked in social services and non-government organisations for many years, with an in-depth knowledge of the housing crisis in Tauranga and displaced people.