Big rise in homeless in motels

THE number of people being placed temporarily in motels because they have no place to live has dramatically risen in the last three months.

The latest Ministry of Social Development figures show 9245 emergency housing grants were given out in the June quarter, up from 6138 in the previous quarter.

The grant covers the cost of shortterm accommodation, which is usually a motel.

The Labourled Government was critical of the use of motels for emergency housing when in Opposition, saying it showed how bad the housing crisis had become.

But it has accepted they will still be necessary until the social housing stock is increased.

Demand for social housing showed no sign of slowing over the last quarter. The waiting list rose from 7890 in March to 8704 in June.

The list only covers households in urgent need who have sought help and been approved for social housing.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford said the Government had expected demand for social housing to grow as more ‘‘hidden homeless’’ sought help.

The Government is encouraging people in need to contact social services. Mr Twyford said it was doing everything it could urgently to increase the amount of public housing in New Zealand.

In the last quarter, another 229 emergency temporary housing places were created, bringing the total to 2341. — NZME