Demand still growing two years after Auckland marae opened doors to homeless

August 18, 2018

Te Puea Marae's approach has been praised as the model that should be used across social agencies.

An Auckland marae says it has now put more than 200 whanau into permanent homes since opening its doors to the homeless two years ago.

Te Puea Marae approach has been praised as the model that should be used across social agencies. 

The marae is now part of the Government's transitional housing programme, where families are given a roof for 12 weeks as well as access to budgeting advice, counselling and even drug rehabilitation.

"There's no frills conversations here, but it's done with a lot of aroha and the people know why we're saying that," said Hurimoana Dennis of Te Puea Marae.

With demand only growing, Mr Dennis says the marae has now put 270 whanau into permanent homes since 2016.

"Our measures of success are very unique, our decision making is a lot more lateral and we believe our knowledge of relationships and partnerships is a lot more advanced," Mr Dennis said. 

"We work hard on the trust and confidence."

So far $600 million has been invested in almost 2,500 transitional houses nationwide.

Scott Gallacher of the Ministry of Social Development says the ministry has had 4,500 households through transitional houses in the last 11 months.

"And ultimately our aim is to get them into long-term sustainable housing," he said.

With almost 9,000 families waiting for a state house, Te Puea Marae will have to keep its doors open for some time yet.

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