DePaul House marks 30 years

DePaul House celebrated its 30th anniversary this month.

During that time, the Northcote emergency housing provider has found homes for 904 homeless community members.

Staff joined with volunteers and past and present families of the house, for a small celebration last week, which included speeches, flowers and cake.

Manager Jan Rutledge says, over the 30 years, the house has grown from a volunteer-led organisation, to now housing 12 units and 70 beds on site.

However, demand continues to increase.

‘‘This celebration therefore also importantly highlights the ongoing need for safe and affordable housing,’’ Rutledge says.

DePaul House provides housing support for all families, regardless of religion or race. It aims to provide people with the advocacy and the provisions needed to successfully reestablish themselves in the community.

Earlier this year, DePaul House’s walk-in inquiries increased by 25 per cent, but this has lessened lately.

‘‘We’ve gone from four walkins a day, to one-and-a-half to two a day,’’ Rutledge says.

A new awareness of it being families that are homeless and not just rough sleepers in the CBD, has helped contribute to this

‘‘This celebration therefore also importantly highlights the ongoing need for safe and affordable housing’’

Jan Rutledge

reduction, she says.

PHOTO: LAINE MOGER/FAIRFAX NZ DePaul House staff and volunteers celebrate three decades of service to the community.