Government support to tackle homelessness welcomed

Councillor Dr Cathy Casey is pleased the Government will consider its suggestion for a nationwide approach to tackle the issue of homelessness.

In a letter to Councillor Casey, chair of Auckland Council’s Social and Community Development Forum, Minister of Housing Phil Heatley has said that as part of the Department of Housing’s policy development for social housing it will consider the council’s suggestion for a national strategy on the issue.

“This is definitely a step in the right direction and I congratulate the Minister for recognising the importance of the issue and taking our comments on board,” says Cr Casey.

After attending the National Homelessness Conference earlier this year, Cr Casey wrote to the minister calling for the nationwide approach.

“Homelessness is a major concern for Auckland and this council is working alongside a range of agencies to do something about it, but we can’t do it alone.”

She said while the problem may be more acute in Auckland, homelessness is an issue communities across the country are dealing with.

“Auckland Council has taken a leadership role in raising awareness about the issue of homelessness and since 2004 has funded a homeless action plan which has the support of all the local agencies involved with homelessness.

“But local authorities cannot do it alone; it is time the Government opted in as a funding partner.”

She says to end homelessness in New Zealand, government support and a clearly defined legislative and policy framework is needed to ensure this vulnerable sector of our society is properly provided for.

Councillor Casey will be sleeping rough on 7 July as part of Lifewise’s Big Sleep Out to raise awareness of homelessness and “send a message to the Beehive that we welcome Government involvement.

Go to http://bigsleepout.org.nz/author/cathy-casey/ to find out more.

The Auckland Homeless Action plan 2008-2013 has been developed with 13 partner agencies.

The plan focuses on four key responses to reduce the prevalence of homelessness, are prevention, intervention, integration and independence services.