Justin Lester to set up NZs first “wet house” to tackle homelessness

Wellington mayoral candidate Justin Lester has committed to ending rough sleeping in the city and will start by establishing New Zealand’s first ever “wet house” for homeless alcoholics.

Speaking with Stephanie McIntyre, Director of Wellington Downtown Community Ministry today, Justin outlined a comprehensive plan to reduce homelessness and begging in Wellington.

“Begging is not a lifestyle choice, neither is being homeless. In a perfect world, no one would be poor, be the victim of sexual or domestic abuse or have a mental illness. But we live in the real world and there are vulnerable people in Wellington who need and deserve help,” said Justin Lester.

“As Mayor I will set up a wet house; a residential facility for chronic alcoholics and drug addicts who are homeless. It will be a place where they can eat, sleep and be safe without pressure.

“International research has found that with the support of a wet house, residents actually reduce their alcohol consumption.

“I will take a ‘housing first’ approach which focuses on treating addictions and getting homeless people into sustainable long-term affordable housing. I am committed to finding ways to increase the number of affordable units for rent in the capital.

“As Mayor I will ensure the Wellington City Council partners with community housing providers to develop more affordable social housing. And I’ll work with Government to provide Income Related Rent Subsidies to Council housing tenants.

“I’m lucky, I've never had to beg. But I watched my mother struggle to bring up three kids alone and on a benefit. I understand how just one life event – an illness, losing a job or a relationship break-up – can leave someone in a precarious situation.

“As Mayor I will work for a Wellington where everyone is educated, has work and has a safe, warm home to live in.”

Key facts:
Wellington Mayoral candidate Justin Lester is today pledging to reduce homelessness and begging in Wellington by:
• Setting up New Zealand’s first ever “Wet House” within the Wellington CBD to give chronic alcoholics and drug addicts who are homeless a safe place to eat and sleep.
• Prioritising resources to increase addiction treatment services in Wellington.
• Taking a ‘Housing First’ approach to get homeless people into sustainable long-term affordable accommodation.
• Partnering with community housing providers to develop more affordable social housing.
• Working with Government to give Income Related Rent subsidies for Wellington City Council housing tenants.
• Investigating ways to increase the number of affordable rental housing units in the city.

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