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National MP for Invercargill Sarah Dowie has congratulated providers who have dedicated funding to provide emergency housing places in the South.
“Today’s announcement will make a huge difference to the lives of vulnerable New Zealanders in extreme housing need in our region,” Sarah Dowie said.
The Salvation Army has received over $43,500 in funding a year to have 13 emergency housing places in Invercargill and Women’s Refuge has secured funding of around $16,500 a year for 26 emergency housing places in the region.
“This will give Salvation Army and Women’s Refuge financial security, allowing them to focus on the job of supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Ms Dowie said.
“It is the first time that any government has provided dedicated funding for emergency housing in Invercargill, and I am very proud of this decision.”
Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett earlier today announced the second round of funding for a share of $33 million targeted at emergency housing has resulted in proposals from 30 providers across the country getting financial support for 3032 emergency places per year. Mrs Bennett is now seeking even more emergency places.
Ms Dowie said funding emergency housing places “is part of the National-led Government’s commitment to ensure people in extreme housing need have somewhere safe to stay as they transition into more permanent accommodation when they are ready”.