"Homelessness is mostly hidden in Whangarei but there is growing pressure on low-income families who are living in overcrowded homes, sleeping in garages, caravans or cars," Mr Whale said.
"As a result, demand for our service has never been higher".
Most years the trust sees about 75 per cent occupancy of the seven self-contained units, however, this year it has been closer to 100 per cent at the Raumanga location.
The trust has another location in Kamo for single men which can hold six at a time.
"The hardest thing for our staff is to say to people that we cannot house them," Mr Whale said. "The situation for these vulnerable families is dire".
Ms Ryan, 27, had applied to rent numerous private houses, even through a company, but was turned down every time. This was because she was a young mum, on the benefit or the rent was too expensive.
"There are other places out there but not for my situation," Ms Ryan said.
Through the trust she was able to find a warm and safe state house that had a back yard for her children to play in.
The family will move in on October 20.
While Ms Ryan is happy her family will finally have a stable home, she hopes she will not have to rely on government assistance forever.
"I have a goal," Ms Ryan said. "I want to eventually buy my own home".
Another single mum, who did not want to be named, said this was her fourth time in the trust's emergency housing over the last decade.
"I would be stuffed without them, really," she said. She too had been helped by the trust to find state housing since coming to them six weeks ago.
"They've been here for me for a lot," she said.
