INDEPENDENT NEWS

Charity Review Research On Homelessness In NZ

Published: Tue 4 Dec 2007 10:21 AM
Auckland Charity Publishes A Review Of Research On Homelessness In New Zealand
Local charity Methodist Mission Northern, with a history of more than 100 years providing support for homeless people, today published the report 'Homelessness in New Zealand; a Discussion and Synthesis of Research Findings'.
This report takes stock of the current body of New Zealand 'homelessness' research, synthesises important findings across key empirical studies, and identifies key knowledge gaps that would benefit from further enquiry.
The release of the report coincides with the National Homelessness Forum taking place in Wellington today.
Methodist Mission Northern is committed to developing its broad range of community services using experience, research and best practice, and this report represents one part of a wider body of work which the Mission has undertaken to re-frame its response to homelessness in Auckland.
Earlier this year Methodist Mission Northern announced plans to extend its work with homeless people, to move beyond addressing mainly primary needs and to implement a new model focused on recovery.
John Murray, Director of Methodist Mission Northern, says evidence has shown that the charitable service model of 'hand outs', which has been the basis of the agency's shelter for homeless people on Airedale Street for more than 155 years, can perpetuate dependency in clients.
"Time and experience has shown that simply providing primary services or accommodation for homeless people, without helping them address the core reasons and causes of their situation, will not enable them to effectively transition back into mainstream society, as often basic life skills and anti-social behaviour issues compound successful integration."
The Centre will remain the lead provider of primary services for homeless people in the city, while at the same time working collaboratively with other agencies to provide services that support people to develop the necessary life skills and personal capabilities to be able to move onwards with their lives.
The full report is available as a PDF download on http://www.mmn.org.nz/Resources.htm
ENDS

Next in New Zealand politics

Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
By: New Zealand Government
Parliamentary Network Breached By The PRC
By: New Zealand Government
GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan
By: New Zealand Government
Tax Cuts Now Even More Irresponsible
By: New Zealand Labour Party
New Zealand Provides Further Humanitarian Support To Gaza And The West Bank
By: New Zealand Government
High Court Judge Appointed
By: New Zealand Government
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media