Auckland Council has allocated $830,000 to tackle emergency housing, homelessness and rough sleeping in its 10-year budget. This is an increase of $470,000 on funding in the previous budget.
The Long-term Plan (2015-2025) provides $250,000 per year for the next two years for emergency housing providers to develop new accommodation for Aucklanders who, due to a range of circumstances, are in desperate need of somewhere temporary to live.
Council’s assistance options include waiving regulatory costs, subsidising professional fees associated with new spaces and contributing to start-up costs for stand-out emergency housing proposals.
Emergency housing is defined as short-term accommodation for up to 12 weeks, with support from wraparound services.
“Housing is a hot topic for all Aucklanders, and right now we need more emergency housing than ever,” says Mayor Len Brown.
“This increased funding helps us to provide an essential support network for Aucklanders most in need of our help.”
An additional $110,000 per year for the next three years has been allocated for homelessness and rough sleeping.
The council will work with a range of agencies across Auckland to explore how we can get the most benefit out of the extra funding.