Help for homeless
A directory of city accommodation and services for people without safe, secure and affordable housing was launched at last month’s National Housing Forum Conference.
Homelessness was highlighted as an issue in January this year when a fire gutted an old Central City building. Initially, there were fears that young people living in the building could have been killed.
In response Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore and Christchurch Central MP Tim Barnett held two public meetings to discuss the issue. A Homelessness Task Group was set up, with staff from the Salvation Army, the Christchurch City Mission, the Christchurch Methodist Mission, the Inner City Interagency Trust and the City Council.
In April, the group released a report.
Being homeless was defined more broadly than simply not having a roof over one’s head, but rather as a lack of safe, secure and affordable housing. The group recommended that a directory be developed to help agencies referring people to appropriate organisations. The Council has since compiled the directory’s 238 entries, detailing the range of community organisations and support available.
“It’s important that agencies have access to this information to be able to help those who may be affected by homelessness,” Mr Moore says. “As a city we have a responsibility to ensure everybody has a safe bed.”
- The free No Fixed Abode directory is available from the Council and electronically through the online Community Information Service, CINCH, through a link on the City Libraries website at library.christchurch.org.nz
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