Trust says pandemic adds to housing need
Monte Cecilia Housing Trust chief executive Bernie Smith says Omicron in the community highlights the need for more social housing, so families living in overcrowded conditions can self-isolate.
The Māngere-based trust said it had 600 transitional and social housing properties, with 400 applicants on a waiting list.
Smith said the organisation could not keep up with the demand.
‘‘It has always been a problem but it is getting worse,’’ he said.
‘‘In the last two years rents have increased substantially.
‘‘The cost of living is increasing and those on a basic income, or wage, have not seen their incomes go up in some time.’’
Smith said families in South Auckland were paying between $500 and $800 a week for a threebedroom house. ‘‘Some people are being pushed into homelessness.’’
Smith said he was also aware of the effect a widespread Omicron outbreak could have on those struggling to put a roof over their heads.
He said Covid-19 highlighted the need for families to have their own home, because people living in overcrowded conditions could not self-isolate properly. ‘‘ We know Omicron is going to sweep through South Auckland.’’
The number of people on the Ministry of Social Development housing register has grown rapidly since 2018 and applicants in South Auckland have increased from 1931 to 3331.
‘‘We have had to be a bit more selective and help those that are in a crisis, someone living in a car or a garage is more of a priority for us,’’ Smith said.
In response to Smith, a spokeswoman from the office of Housing Minister Megan Woods said these were ‘‘challenging times and the Government is concerned that all vulnerable communities get the support they need during the Covid-19 pandemic’’.
‘‘That is why the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development – Te Tūā Papa Kura Kāinga – has been working closely with housing providers and other agencies ... to understand what the need is and to help put those supports in place.
‘‘This includes extra support services, help with housing costs, and more accommodation for people with nowhere to stay or living in overcrowded situations.’’
‘‘Omicron is going to sweep through South Auckland.’’
Bernie Smith
Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.