Red Cross offers $1000 to people with homes damaged in November 14 earthquake

Residents in quake-affected areas like Waiau in North Canterbury can now apply for a $1000 grant from the New Zealand Red Cross.

A grant of $1000 is being made available to help people whose homes have been damaged in last month's magnitude-7.8 earthquake.

The New Zealand Red Cross Damaged Home Grant is being offered to people whose homes received either a red or yellow sticker, or who had to evacuate their houses for seven days or longer after the November 14 quake.

"This was a huge event that caused significant damage to people's homes, lives and livelihoods," said New Zealand Red Cross secretary general Tony Paine.

"We are launching the Damaged Home Grant because we know more than 570 homes have been damaged. While Kiwis are a resourceful bunch who've been making do and helping each other, they need a bit of help themselves. This grant will give those people a small helping hand."

In addition to the grant, the Red Cross continues to monitor and help people affected by the earthquakes across the country.

Red Cross volunteers and staff are going door-to-door in Kaikoura to ensure people get the help that is available and are providing psychosocial support.

Over the past month, Red Cross volunteers have logged more than 9000 hours of service, delivered 250 parcels of food, spoken with 1100 residents through outreach and door-knocking projects alongside local community groups, and installed hand-washing stations in Kaikoura.

The Red Cross has also raised more than $3 million for the November 2016 Earthquake Appeal.

"I'd like to thank the generous people near and far who have donated to our appeal; to the people who dug deep and made these grants possible - thank you. And to the people who have helped out, our Red Cross teams and anyone who has lent a hand - thank you," Paine said.