Showers for Auckland’s homeless
Potential showers for Auckland’s homeless are being being praised as a practical way the council can help those sleeping rough.
Auckland Council’s city advisory board has been investigating a potential CBD site where a trial shower can be installed.
In the board’s September agenda it states it has been investigating a potential shower facility at a new public toilet block on Elliot Street.
‘‘The shower is a pilot to support the needs of homeless people, which will be carefully monitored so that any issues that may arise can be resolved quickly.’’
However, John Dunshea, general manager of the development programme office at Auckland Council says the pilot programme at the Elliot St site will now not be going ahead.
‘‘Through the council’s Development Programme Office we are now undertaking an assessment of possible public shower amenities elsewhere in the city centre,’’ Dunshea says.
Wilf Holt, a team leader at the Auckland City Mission, says the facilities show one of the practical ways the council can help those living on the streets.
‘‘Initiatives like this do show a sea change in thought. Ten years ago you would be hard pressed to find a council anywhere in the country who would be willing to even acknowledge there is a homeless problem.’’