Housing Minister Phil Twyford says the policy aims to end homelessness, not just manage it. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The Government is hoping to find long-term shelter for 200 people over two years in Wellington as it expands its national homelessness-reduction policy into the region.
Housing Minister Phil Twyford and Wellington Mayor Justin Lester announced the launch of the Housing First programme in the city and Lower Hutt on
Monday.
"On any given night we know approximately 60 to 80 Wellingtonians are sleeping rough on our city's street," Lester said.
"We know that homelessness is not an easy fix, but the Housing First programme allows us to provide the wrap-around support services that people need to sustain their homes."
The nationwide programme was given about $200 million in this year's Government Budget, with an aim of housing putting about 2700 people with complex needs, such as mental health and addiction issues, into secure housing, by providing a broad network of support services.
