Housing is a human right

Housing First services have supported 150 people into 93 permanent homes across Auckland in the first four months of operation. The collective was launched in March this year as a two-year demonstration project to end homelessness for 472 chronically homeless people (adults) in Auckland using the internationally proven Housing First model.

News story from Lifewise and the Auckland City Mission: two of the five services that make up the Auckland Housing First collective. The Auckland City Centre programme has supported 16 people into permanent homes since it launched in March this year.

What is homelessness? What is the Housing First model, and why does it work for ending homelessness? Is ending homelessness in New Zealand achievable? Watch our interview with Dr Sam Tsemberis to find the answers.

A south Auckland family found living in their car are among those helped as part of a project tackling chronic homelessness. Housing First Auckland is a joint initiative between the Government, Auckland Council and five community social housing providers. Manukau-based social housing provider LinkPeople​ is leading the efforts in south Auckland.

Lifewise chief executive Moira Lawler speaks with Duncan Garner on the AM Show about what is needed to end homelessness in Auckland (video).