14 Hours Homeless

New Zealand’s housing crisis is having a devastating impact on our most vulnerable families and individuals.

With some of the most expensive housing in the world and rents in places like Christchurch increasing by 30% since the 2012 earthquake,  one in 120 Kiwis are now classed as homeless.

Homeless’ or ‘housing deprived’ people include those living in unsafe and unsuitable locations such as garages, sheds, tents, caravans and cars, couch surfing or living in shared housing with other families.  The community who are more commonly thought of as homeless, those sleeping rough on the streets, represent only 20% of those now affected.

Every day, The Salvation Army along with other agencies, help homeless individuals and families with access to food, emergency accommodation, clothing, furnishings, counselling and support to help address their financial, health, security and social problems.

This year, on World Homeless Day (10 October), The Salvation Army along with the Breathing Space Southland Trust will be running team-based homeless events to raise funds and increase awareness about the new reality of homelessness in New Zealand.

For more info on how you can be involved or donate to this worthy cause check out the Breathing Space Southland Trust website here.

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