Accessing housing first
Housing first helps get people who have been experiencing homelessness for at least a year back into permanent housing. Once they're in stable housing, it also provides tailored support for as long as necessary to help them stay in their homes and deal with the underlying issues that led to their homelessness.
Who is Housing First for?
Housing First is for individuals, families and whānau who:
- have been sleeping rough, or in other places not designed for habitation (e.g. in cars or unconverted garages) for at least 12 months over the past three years
- have high or complex support needs
- need intensive ongoing support services to help them stay housed.
There are no conditions people need to meet, such as sobriety or mental health treatment, to qualify for Housing First support.
The Rapid Rehousing programme is available for people who don't meet Housing First eligibility criteria, e.g. they've been experiencing homelessness for less than 12 months and have low-to-medium support needs. See more about Rapid Rehousing(external link).
Accessing Housing First
Housing First support service providers reach out to people experiencing homelessness, particularly people experiencing street homelessness or rough sleeping.
Frontline health, mental health, income support, police, education, probation, iwi and community services can also make referrals to Housing First support services.
Location of Housing First support services
Mid-Far North
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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Hau Kāinga - Kāinga Whenua
|
Kaitaia |
Whangārei
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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Kāinga Pūmanawa |
Whangārei |
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Whangārei |
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One Double Five Whare Awhina Community House Trust(external link) |
Whangārei |
Auckland
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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Housing First Auckland |
Central Auckland |
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Central and West Auckland |
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Central Auckland |
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South Auckland |
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West Auckland |
Hamilton
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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The People’s Project Hamilton |
Hamilton |
Tauranga
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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The People’s Project Tauranga |
Tauranga |
Rotorua
|
Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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Mangatakitahi |
Rotorua |
Hawke's Bay
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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Housing First Hawkes Bay |
Napier |
Wellington
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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Aro Mai - Housing First Collaboration Wellington(external link) |
Wellington |
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Kahungunu Whānau Services |
Wellington and Hutt Valley |
Nelson
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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Housing First Nelson |
Nelson |
Blenheim
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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Housing First Blenheim |
Blenheim |
Christchurch
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Service |
Providers |
Locations |
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Te Waipounamu CHP Network |
Christchurch |