ICW demystifier: About housing in the inner-city

Recently we asked the Council to help us understand the various types
of public housing offered in the city. The following helps to unpack
this complex mix.

ICW Question: Residents often ask about the nature of
homelessness in the inner city.

  • WCC: Very few people are homeless, although some do stay in
    transitional or emergency housing in the neighbourhood.

    Our team works really closely with the Police to monitor and respond to
    issues as they arise. Our CCTV team is also connected directly to the Police
    and report any instances of violence, drinking or anti-social behaviour.

    Ultimately this is a really complex issue and needs the support of the Council, Police, MSD, Mental Health and Social Services to address. We’re all working together in different ways to ensure that people are supported, and that the response to any inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour is addressed.

ICW Question: I think there is little understanding about the differences relating to the nature, management
and location of emergency housing, transitional housing and social housing. 

WCC:

  • The mix of terms and language - "public housing", "Te Kainga" housing, "Kainga Ora" housing, City Mission accommodation etc etc. is confusing.  It makes it difficult to explain the diversity of housing in the inner-city in a way that can reassure people that more of these being built in the city - for example, the new complex in Frederick Street - is not going to add to the 'begging/homeless' people on the street perception, but is just part of helping a range of people to have a home to call their own. Are you aware of anyone who has attempted to provide a simple summary description of all these types of homes?

  • Public Housing/Kāinga Ora housing
    This used to be ‘state housing’ – primarily provided by Kāinga Ora with other smaller providers (Te Toi Mahana, Dwell, Emerge, etc). It’s permanent housing with rental costs subsidised by MSD. This includes the new housing in Frederick St, Church Street and Boulcott Street (https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/housing/find-a-house/who-can-get-public-housing.html)

  • Alongside this is new Supported Housing
    Initially in Rolleston St, which is permanent housing but comes with additional wrap-around support for people with complex needs. This is Kāinga ora public housing, but the support will be provided by the City Mission.  (https://anglicanmovement.nz/blog/wellington-city-mission-to-operate-new-rolleston-street-complexnbsp)

  •  Te Kāinga housing

    Council provided housing to people who are employed in essential roles. This is also permanent housing and is not social housing. Rents are below market rates, but not significantly. All are located on Willis St at this stage (https://tekainga-apartments.nz/)

  •  Transitional housing

    The City Mission is a big provider but there are also many others. This is ‘temporary’ housing, but for 3+ months until permanent housing is found. It comes with intensive wrap-around support and help to find permanent housing. Residents pay for this but the cost is subsidised. (https://www.hud.govt.nz/our-work/transitional-housing/)
       

  • Te Paamaru on Taranaki St is also transitional housing,

    This is for people with complex needs and addiction challenges. It is likely that the residents will live in that facility long term (although it is ‘transitional’, many may never leave) (https://wellingtoncitymission.org.nz/what-we-do/housing/) 

WCC Summary:

  • It’s a really complicated system – it’s all about providing a range of housing/support services to best respond to the wide range and complex needs that people experiencing homelessness come with, and the need to respond accordingly.