386% increase in EH declines on basis people ‘contributed to their homelessness’

Increase over 6 months following policy change that tightens access to emergency housing

A whānau in the Wellington region recently presented to the local housing provider seeking accommodation. Their previous housing, through the city council, had left one child with breathing difficulties. After a doctor’s evaluation, they were recommended to seek new housing. The whānau sought help from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) but were turned away for ‘contributing to their own homelessness’. The whānau had to resort to sleeping on the floor of a friend’s house before the local provider stepped in to help.    

Tragically, this appalling case study is not unique. It represents a disturbing situation where government policy is being applied unfairly. All around the country, from August 2024 to January 2025, the “You have caused or contributed to your immediate need” rejection reason has spiked from 6% of total declines for Emergency Housing to 27% of total declines.   

How did we get here? This spike in EH declines represents a shift in decision-making and application of policies at the MSD level, where the tightening of criteria for those presenting in need is resulting in people failing to get access to the housing they need. In turn, this puts added pressure on local housing providers, social support and community agencies. 

When forced away from the system, we must do everything to understand “Where are these whānau and individuals living now and how can we support them”? 

Data source: OIA data from Ministry of Social Development, EHSNG decline reason August 2024 to January 2025