YOUR LOCAL NEWS

Defining the term homeless is a bit of a tricky task and not one that should be simplified.

People find themselves out on the street, or dossing down on their mate’s couch, for all sorts of reasons.

In fact, there is a surprising number of people who have struggled to find a place to live at some stage in their lives.

Clearly many people living rough under bridges or under makeshift shelters, have other issues going on in their lives.

Others can be defined as homeless because they simply can not find a house to rent.

The reality is we have a duty of care as a community to ensure anyone who wants to get out of the cold, can do so, regardless of how they got into that situation.

Very few people really understand the complexities of homing the homeless - it takes a special sort of person to get it right. There is no single solution, rather a range of options to suit the individual or family in question.

So, when someone like Tiny Deane [p1] climb into the problem boots and all, then it is time to jump in and help too. NEWS DIRECTOR: Daniel Hutchinson, daniel.hutchinson@stuff.co.nz; 027 809 6854. SENIOR REPORTER: Luke Kirkeby, 027 204 2913, luke.kirkeby@stuff.co.nz. SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT: Matt Holmes, 027 807 4632, matt.holmes@stuff.co.nz, CLASSIFIEDS: 0800 800 373 swn@stuff.co.nz or Lynda 07 888 7011, MISSED DELIVERY: 0800 339 000, DIGITAL EDITION: southwaikatonews.co.nz. FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ Southwaikatonews. DISPLAY AD DEADLINES: 4pm Thursday. ADDRESS: 45 Heuheu St, Taupo or PO Box 205, Taupo