Dramatic drop in applications for emergency housing

Less people are recorded as applying for emergency accommodation, and a higher proportion of applications are declinedThe Ministry of Social Development (MSD) captures data on the demand for and access to homelessness and housing services. Data shows that less people are applying for emergency accommodation and higher proportions are being declined after access to emergency accommodation was tightened in August 2024. Insights from the housing and homelessness sector indicate that some people are not applying for emergency housing because they believe that will be declined  (OAG, 2026). 

The number of Social Housing Register applicants recorded as living in their cars at month end has increased over time.  Numbers rose from around 100–130 per month in early 2017 to a plateau of 460–650 during 2022–2024, before easing slightly in late 2024. The sustained elevation since 2021 suggests that one of the most vulnerable groups has grown and remained large. 

At a systems level, a shift from a heavy investment in emergency or crisis responses to homelessness towards greater investment in prevention and housing-led approaches is desirable (OECD, 2024). In Finland, the only country where homelessness is reducing, emergency housing was intentionally converted into long-term rental housing (Shin and Khadduri, 2020). Housing First was also embedded as a philosophy across the housing and support system.   

However, low-barrier, immediate access to emergency housing is very important to ensure that people are not forced into sleeping rough or to stay in unsafe housing situations.  

The Auditor General (2026) argues for a better understanding of the outcomes of people in immediate housing need who do not get support from MSD. This includes understanding the outcomes for people who are declined housing support also for those in need who have not sought it. This information will help provide a more comprehensive national picture of the scale and nature of immediate housing need and whether the support available addresses that need.   

Data source: OIA Ministry of Social Development, Number of hardship applications processed for Emergency Housing during the period 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2025.