Christchurch

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Emergency Housing

Support for individuals or families in urgent need of accommodation, including shelters or social housing programs.

Sections

1. Categories of Emergency Housing in Christchurch

Emergency housing in Christchurch is designed to provide short-term accommodation for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The main categories include:

a. Government-Funded Emergency Housing

  • Description: The New Zealand Government, through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), provides emergency housing for individuals and families who cannot find a place to stay.
  • Accommodation Type: This often includes motels, hostels, or other temporary housing facilities.
  • Duration: Short-term, typically up to 12 weeks, while longer-term housing solutions are sought.

b. Non-Governmental and Charitable Organizations

  • Description: Various charities and non-profits in Christchurch offer emergency housing and support services.
  • Examples:
    • The Christchurch City Mission: Provides emergency accommodation for individuals and families, as well as wraparound support services.
    • Salvation Army: Offers temporary housing and support for those in crisis.
    • YWCA Christchurch: Provides emergency housing specifically for women and children.
    • Te Whare Roimata: Focuses on supporting vulnerable individuals, including emergency housing assistance.

c. Womenโ€™s Refuge and Domestic Violence Shelters

  • Description: Safe housing for women and children escaping domestic violence.
  • Examples:
    • Aviva: A Christchurch-based organization offering emergency accommodation and support for those affected by family violence.
    • Shakti Womenโ€™s Refuge: Provides culturally appropriate emergency housing for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

d. Youth Emergency Housing

  • Description: Services specifically for young people (typically under 25) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • Example: Youth Hub Christchurch offers emergency housing and support services for young people.

e. Transitional Housing

  • Description: Transitional housing is a step between emergency housing and permanent housing. It provides medium-term accommodation with support services to help individuals and families transition to stable housing.
  • Providers: Government-funded providers and non-profits like the Christchurch Methodist Mission.

2. Costs of Emergency Housing

  • Government-Funded Emergency Housing: Costs are typically covered by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) through the Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant (EHSNG). This grant pays for the accommodation directly, so there is no cost to the individual or family in most cases.
  • Charitable Organizations: Many non-profits and charities provide emergency housing free of charge or at a very low cost. Donations or koha (a voluntary contribution) may be encouraged but are not mandatory.
  • Private Emergency Housing: If you are not eligible for government or charitable support, you may need to pay for temporary accommodation (e.g., motels or hostels) out of pocket. Costs can range from NZD 100โ€“200 per night, depending on the facility.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for emergency housing depends on the provider:

a. Government-Funded Emergency Housing

  • Criteria:
    • Must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
    • Must have an urgent housing need (e.g., homeless or at risk of homelessness).
    • Must not have other housing options available.
    • Must meet income and asset limits (assessed by Work and Income NZ).
  • Note: Temporary visa holders and international visitors are generally not eligible for government-funded emergency housing.

b. Charitable Organizations

  • Criteria: Varies by organization but is generally more flexible than government programs. Many charities assist people regardless of residency status or income level, especially in cases of domestic violence or youth homelessness.

c. Womenโ€™s Refuge and Domestic Violence Shelters

  • Criteria: Must be escaping domestic violence or abuse. Residency status is not typically a barrier.

d. Youth Emergency Housing

  • Criteria: Must be under 25 and homeless or at risk of homelessness. Some services may have additional criteria, such as being in education or training.

4. How to Apply or Access Emergency Housing

a. Government-Funded Emergency Housing

  1. Contact Work and Income NZ (WINZ):
    • Call 0800 559 009 or visit a local Work and Income office in Christchurch.
    • Explain your situation and request an Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant (EHSNG).
  2. Assessment:
    • A case manager will assess your eligibility and housing needs.
    • If approved, they will arrange temporary accommodation for you.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • You may be required to attend regular meetings with a case manager to work on a long-term housing plan.

b. Charitable Organizations

  1. Contact the Organization Directly:
    • Call or visit the organizationโ€™s office to explain your situation.
    • Many organizations have 24/7 helplines for urgent cases.
  2. Assessment:
    • Staff will assess your needs and provide accommodation if available.
  3. Additional Support:
    • Many charities offer food, clothing, and counseling services alongside housing.

c. Womenโ€™s Refuge and Domestic Violence Shelters

  1. Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 733 843 (24/7).
  2. Local Contact:
    • Reach out to Aviva or Shakti Womenโ€™s Refuge in Christchurch for immediate assistance.
  3. Safe Transport:
    • Many refuges can arrange safe transport to their facilities.

d. Youth Emergency Housing

  1. Contact Youth Hub Christchurch or other youth-focused services.
  2. Assessment:
    • Staff will assess your situation and provide accommodation if available.

5. Local Considerations and Resources

  • Christchurch City Mission: Offers a range of services, including food banks, counseling, and financial assistance, in addition to emergency housing.

  • Salvation Army Christchurch: Provides emergency housing, food parcels, and support services.

  • Aviva: Specializes in family violence support and emergency housing.

  • Work and Income NZ (WINZ):

  • Youth Hub Christchurch:

  • Shakti Womenโ€™s Refuge:

6. Tips for Navigating Emergency Housing in Christchurch

  • Act Quickly: Emergency housing is in high demand, so contact providers as soon as possible.
  • Be Honest: Clearly explain your situation to ensure you receive the appropriate support.
  • Seek Additional Support: Many organizations offer wraparound services, such as counseling, employment assistance, and financial advice, to help you get back on your feet.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Christchurch has services tailored to specific cultural groups, such as Mฤori, Pasifika, and migrant communities. Donโ€™t hesitate to ask for culturally appropriate support.

By utilizing these resources and following the outlined steps, you can access emergency housing in Christchurch and receive the support you need during a challenging time.