Supporting people with housing insecurity in Palmerston North

Image shows a homeless people on street

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, so we’re working with other providers in our community to help make that a reality.

Housing insecurity is about more than just having a roof over your head. It’s about making sure people have access to safe, stable housing and the support they need to stay there. That’s why we’ve partnered with local organisations to develop practical, people-focused solutions to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness in our city.

We’re focused on real solutions for our community

Back in 2020, Council began looking into housing insecurity and how we could better support people in our community experiencing homelessness. This included research, conversations with local groups, and a feasibility study into whether Palmerston North needed a night shelter.

As part of our latest Long-Term Plan for 2024-2034, funding was confirmed for a three-year pilot programme, costing $235,000 per year, which aims to respond to housing insecurity in Palmerston North. The pilot programme consists of three workstreams to be funded by Council and delivered by local providers that are already working in the social wellbeing space. The three programmes are:

Flexi Fund – with Manawatū Tenants’ Union

Sometimes a small amount of help can make a huge difference. Our Flexi Fund supports tenants to stay in their existing rental, or get into one, by helping with relatively small, unexpected costs, urgent needs, or other barriers to staying housed or being housed. It’s a fast, flexible way to step in before things reach crisis point.

For more information or to apply contact the Manawatū Tenants’ Union

Outreach officers – with MASH Trust

Some people experiencing homelessness are not connected to any services. This programme funds an Outreach Officer to work directly with individuals and whānau sleeping rough to:

  • Build trust and relationships
  • Link them with support and housing services
  • Collect real-time data to help us better understand housing insecurity in our city

For more information contact MASH Trust

Housing First – with Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance

Housing First helps people facing long-term homelessness by offering immediate, permanent housing with no requirements. The idea under the Housing First model is that housing comes first, and wider support follows.

We’re working with Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance to roll out this programme in two phases:

  • Phase 1: Development of a Housing First model and action plan tailored to the Palmerston North context.
  • Phase 2: Putting the plan into action — helping people into homes and wrapping support around them.

For more information contact Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora

Working Together: Palmerston North Housing Insecurity Response Collective

This work is a team effort. We are working together with a range of local partners as part of the Palmerston North Housing Insecurity Response Collective, which includes representatives from:

  • Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
  • Kāinga Ora
  • Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance
  • MASH Trust
  • Manawatū Tenants’ Union
  • Housing Advice Centre
  • Rangitāne o Manawatū

Related Information

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