How New Zealand is Providing Homes
We at The Positive Identity loved this story so much that we decided to make an entire article dedicated to it!
New Zealand is a White/European Majority country and we’re excited to see them take such an assertive move to rescue some of the most vulnerable members of society. The homeless in New Zealand are a diverse group, encompassing poor Europeans, Māori, Asians and others. Also in the article below it mentions that many private individuals are jumping in to help out! There is an estimated 40,000 homeless in NZ, so this move represents an incredible national movement to help out their most struggling members. A round of applause (we’re Americans, we’re clapping) to all involved.
Good News Network Article
New Zealand Has Vowed to Get Every Homeless Citizen Into Warm Housing Before Winter Hits in 4 Weeks
Representatives of New Zealand have just promised to get every homeless citizen off the cold streets and into cozy shelters before winter rolls around.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and housing minister Phil Twyford announced the launch of their $100 million emergency housing package on Friday.
“We’re pulling out all the stops to support people in need and urgently increase housing supply this winter,” said Twyford. “Our government will make sure everyone is helped to find warm, dry housing.”
With the cold season just around the corner in the southern hemisphere, the government has 4 weeks to get the country’s 40,000 homeless people into proper shelters, housing, and facilities.
According to The Guardian, New Zealand officials hope to achieve this goal by enlisting the help of private citizens with suitable seasonal housing, “such as shearers quarters, private rental properties, motor camps, and maraes.”
They have also instructed shelters and similar facilities to allow for more flexible admission.
“As soon as we came into government we knew we wouldn’t be able to physically build the houses we’d need by May, when winter was really starting to bite,” says Ardern in her Facebook Live announcement.
“So we acknowledge this is emergency… but we couldn’t stand by and see people in cars or completely unsuitable housing in the meantime.”