THERE IS HOPE: NEW ZEALAND TO END HOMELESSNESS
This week New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern and housing minister Phil Twyford announced that they will spend $100 million to fund emergency housing for the ever-growing number of homeless citizens. All before the start of winter. Due to limited housing, the average house price rising by 85%, and a high turnover of rental properties, the housing situation for low-income families is incredibly unstable. Leaving a fucking massive 40,000 people living in desperate situations in cars, tents, and garages. Heartbreakingly in 2016 over 53% were children and their parents, who have less flexibility and options when it comes to housing.
In New Zealand winter begins on the 1st June. So, the government now have less than a month to complete their promise to move the entire homeless population into secure shelters. What a promise huh? Earlier in 2018 the housing crisis reached such a level that 80% - 90% of homeless people were turned away from community emergency housing providers, who could not cope with the growing number. It is not just the amount of people but the quality of houses that they are moved to. Many, especially children, become ill from damp, cold, and borderline dilapidated shelters.
Both the prime minister and housing minister seem adamant that they will succeed. Even putting out an urgent call for anyone who has extra accommodation that would be suitable as transitional housing. However, as much as we all want this to work out, it seems such a lot to do in a very limited amount of time. This is without taking into consideration those who may find themselves homeless in the coming weeks, or during winter, and the upkeep of the housing/shelters. This being said, if the support and willingness to help is there from the rest of the community maybe it will be a smooth transition.
It can be so easy to ignore homelessness, thinking “that will never be me”, but in reality we may not have control over our housing situations. Anything could happen and if there is no one to help you… At the end of the day we need to look after our fellow humans and show kindness. Not hate.
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Illustration by Ronan Porter