Rotorua Whakaora, formerly known as Love Soup, manager Elmer Peiffer. Photo / File
Rotorua Whakaora, formerly known as Love Soup, manager Elmer Peiffer. Photo / File
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Rotorua agencies have welcomed the news that there will be more homes for the vulnerable and additional funding for social service providers.
But more needs to be done.
Today the Government pledged to deliver 6000 public and 2000 transitional homes, which were expected to stimulate the residential construction sector, createjobs and reduce the housing shortage.
Housing Minister Megan Woods said the ''security that decent housing gives us cannot be overestimated and we are determined to turn the tide on New Zealand's housing issues''.
The project would be driven by Kāinga Ora which would borrow $5 billion over the next four to five years alongside $570 million of related rent subsidy funding.
Visions of a Helping Hand Trust chief executive Tiny Deane said anything was better than nothing but ''I am focused on housing the homeless that are directly in front of me''.
''We are dead smack in the middle of it...there is probably no one else in the country dealing with the type of people we are dealing with, like the rough sleepers, mums and children and those with mental health and other issues.
''The Government can worry about the Budget and if I get a piece of that pie that is brilliant but if I don't I will find the money somewhere else.''
Likewise, chief executive Jo Denvir said it cautioned ongoing reliance on transitional and emergency housing.
It would like to see robust programmes in place to move people into sustainable, long-term housing, she said, although the new houses were a good step forward.
Meanwhile, $79m would be pumped into social services with food banks and budgeting services getting the nod for additional funding.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said social services would continue to play an essential role in supporting people and communities to recover.
"Social services are critical to wellbeing, and helping New Zealanders through this unprecedented time, which is why we will continue to support the important mahi they do."
About $32m had been set aside for food banks and other community food service providers which encompassed a new bulk food distribution New Zealand Food Network as well as more money for 131 budgeting services.
Rotorua Whakaora, formerly known as Love Soup, manager Elmer Peiffer. Photo / File
Rotorua Whakaora, formerly known as Love Soup, manager Elmer Peiffer said the new housing was definitely great ''but I don't think the volume of the housing will be adequate''.
''I really appreciate the transitional housing which is a stop-gap while you are waiting to get into your own home. I think that will make a difference for those agencies dealing with the homeless.''
Peiffer said while he supported the funding for food banks and other community service providers he worried about the criteria.
''It's difficult and will depend on what type of criteria they will ask for because in the past we have had to jump through hoops and have been declined anyway.''
Rotorua Budget Advisory Service manager Pakanui Tuhura said he had not had time to fully analyse the Budget, but Covid-19 showed how important social agencies were.
''It will take a couple of weeks to see how the Budget will impact us and our clients.''
