Synod agrees with need for Social Housing Plan

13 Sep 2012

The Anglican Diocese of Christchurch called for the Department of Building and Housing to develop a region wide social/low cost housing plan for Christchurch at its recent Synod meeting.

Rev’d Jolyon White said, “Without a plan we risk repeating the city rebuild mistakes made in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, which were publically criticised by the United Nations. It is not a big ask to have an overall plan but it will make such a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable residents in our city.”

Rev’d Jolyon White said “As well the support services offered by the City Mission, we are involved in putting costings together for possible temporary low cost housing and working with landlords to provide incentives to rebuild low cost housing. But without an overall plan, it is difficult for NGOs like us to best help these residents.”

Some of the facts that have been established are:

• Housing New Zealand reports that there has been a loss of 1000 social housing homes since the September quake.
• The Anglican City Mission report that people are staying longer in night shelter and in short term emergency accommodation.
• The Anglican City Mission also reports people sleeping in red-zone houses and in parks; there is a growing homeless population.
• Christchurch City Council Housing had 2649 units available prior to the September earthquake. It now has 2288 units to let with a waiting list of over 200.
• Te Whare Roimata reported 19 bedsit units, housing 120 Christchurch residents, are now either demolished or abandoned due to being red stickered.
• Landlords who have traditionally housed low-income people are struggling. Many will exit the market.

Rev’d Jolyon White said, “This is an issue that will not be resolved by the market and we desperately need an overview of the situation. At the moment there is no coordination on all the issues from CERA or the council. Neither has any NGO been able to coordinate an approach from the grassroots.”