Source: New Zealand Government
After 10 years’ hard mahi, HomeGround – Auckland City Mission’s new home – is now officially open.
“It’s extremely satisfying to see our commitment to providing a safety net for people who need housing and additional support services come together in a place like HomeGround, to create a better future for residents,” Megan Woods said.
“Housing for people on the public housing register and for people experiencing homelessness continues to be a priority of this Government. We want HomeGround to be a place of dignity, a place to come together, and a place to call home.
“The complex is based on an international model of integrated support services. There’s a 25-unit detox facility, a large medical centre and facilities to provide crisis care, social support, food and counselling, to help residents thrive. It’s about creating opportunity and potential,” Megan Woods said.
”People going through medical or social detox at HomeGround, have easy access to the on-site health centre and pharmacy, as well as other support services. It is a great example of the Government’s commitment to addressing homelessness and the drivers of homelessness. It shows that results can be achieved when iwi, housing providers, local and central government work together,” Marama Davidson said.
Although HomeGround opened for service in February, COVID-19 restrictions delayed the official opening until now.
Notes to editors:
Auckland City Mission is a community housing provider, and tenants sign a tenancy agreement and pay rent. To qualify they must be on the public housing register.
Contracted services provided by Auckland City Mission
Transitional Housing
People using the transitional housing service are helped to find longer-term housing. In most cases, once they have secured a longer-term home, service providers also help them access other support, including Work and Income budgeting and health services.
Housing First
Housing First recognises that it’s easier for people to deal with complex issues, such as mental health and addiction, if they have a stable place to live. 50% of the households placed in Homeground will be supported by Housing First. Auckland City Mission with work with MSD to coordinate the placement of the remaining 50 percent.
Rapid Rehousing
Rapid Rehousing aims to support people who have recently become homeless, or are at risk of becoming homeless, and who have low-to-medium social service needs.
Sustaining Tenancies
Sustaining Tenancies service providers work with tenants on issues that are putting their tenancy at risk.
Funding
Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provided HomeGround with funding of $18 million to help with the development. It has agreed to provide funding for the 80 one-bedroom accommodation units for a period of 25 years. The Whole of Life costs for HUD is estimated at $74.4 million and includes the capital contribution.
The Government provided an additional $22 million from COVID Response and Recovery Fund.
Supporting the development, the Government, Auckland Council, Auckland District Health Board, Foundation North, companies and members of the public have contributed to the $110 million cost to build HomeGround.
