Womenz Shed needs backing to buy 'sleeping quarters' for homeless

A local group wanting to buy a block of units to be used as "sleeping quarters" for the homeless is hoping the community will get behind their dream.

Womenz Shed, established three months ago, is trying to raise $10,000 to put a deposit on the five units, which can house six people each. The total cost is $80,000.

The group needs to raise about $6000 more to reach its deposit.

Womenz Shed, including members Jocelyn Jacobs (front) and Teresa Poi, are fundraising for a set of units to be used as temporary housing for the homeless. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Organiser Jocelyn Jacobs knows it is a tall order but believes the community will get behind the project.

"Homelessness is such a big issue here and we wanted to do something now, not in several months time after getting government funding and what not.

"We want to show the community that you don't need to wait for official authorities to help - we can do this ourselves.

"I'm not saying it will fix everything and it won't be a permanent fix but if it will help even a little bit, that's a good start.

"It's temporary housing, a sleeping quarter for people who need help getting back on their feet."

Ms Jacobs said she hoped to have the units by September.

Photo of the temporary housing. Photo/Supplied

"The homeless are a part of our community too. We all have eyes and ears and we see it all around us. Helping is a no-brainer."

She said the target group for the temporary housing would be homeless solo mothers.

"The Womenz Shed's main job is sourcing the building. That's the first stage, the stage we need to get the ball rolling. After that we will look at getting a board in to manage the site."

Bay of Plenty House Removals is selling the units which were obtained in the closure of a motor camp.

Owner Neil Johnson hopes the group is able to raise enough for the deposit.

"It's for a good cause so I am bending my rules for them because I do want them to raise enough. It's a lot of money but I'm behind the idea so I don't mind helping.

"There's been a lot of interest in the units but I keep holding off and giving this group some breathing space - you can't help but think of those times where you could have been helped out if someone bent the rules for you.

Womenz Shed, including members Jocelyn Jacobs (front) and Teresa Poi, are fundraising for a set of units to be used as temporary housing for the homeless. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

"I'm a big softie, I really do hope it works out."

Love Soup Rotorua's Gina Peiffer said she was "totally behind" any organisation coming up with positive resolutions for homelessness.

But she warned it was important the Womenz Shed had done their homework about what would be involved in a project like this.

"We do need transitional housing and I totally agree that if the community works together we have the power to ease the situation. But we also need businesses, the council, real estate agencies and the Government working with the community too if we're going to have a real impact.

"Love Soup would absolutely look at helping to run the units if we were approached. We are always open to discussions.

"I hope Womenz Shed are successful because if it works out, it will be great."

• To donate or for more information, contact Jocelyn Jacobs on 021 065 8329 or jocelyn.jacobs@hotmail.com.