Drop in emergency housing good news, but questions remain

This is the transcript for Will's Word on Monday, September 23:

Now it’s time for Will’s Word…

The recent decline in emergency housing numbers, with a 57 percent drop in households living in motels, is certainly a positive step some would argue.

The government claims its focus on prioritising children in these situations has led to over 645 families moving into social housing, improving the lives of more than 1,300 children who are now free from the instability of motel living.

But while it’s good news, it’s also pretty important to acknowledge that many individuals remain outside the safety of secure housing.

The concerns raised by groups like Restore Rotorua highlight ongoing issues, particularly with the influx of people being relocated to areas ill-equipped to support them.

The government still has work to do — like the tracking of those exiting emergency housing.

Ensuring that people don’t slip through the cracks—potentially ending up on the streets—is vital.

The goal of reducing emergency housing by 75 percent by 2030 is ambitious, fingers crossed the Government can actually achieve it.