Homeless Services:

The Auckland City Mission works with the homeless of Auckland, assisting them to rebuild their lives and re-establish themselves in the wider community. The Mission provides a range of integrated services including social work, housing support, medical services, drug and alcohol programmes and mental health services.

The Mission works to address the causes of individual homelessness and to advocate for societal and structural change that will help prevent people from becoming homeless.

Outreach:

The most visible signs of homelessness are rough sleepers - people sleeping in doorways, bus shelters, parks and empty buildings. The Mission's social workers, with the support of Auckland City Council and other agencies walk the Auckland streets in the early morning and late at night to contact rough sleepers and support them to come to the Mission for help.

Auckland City Mission is one of the key partner organisations participating in the Auckland City Council's "Homeless Action Plan 2008-2013."

In response to Strand 5 of the action plan, "An interagency response for the future direction of homeless services", a joint Memorandum of Understanding and Practice Guidelines have been developed to streamline processes and practices of the various agencies working to end rough sleeping.

Download: Homeless Action Plan 2008-2013

Download: Memorandum of Understanding: An interagency approach for ending rough sleeping in Auckland city

Download: An Interagency Response to End Rough Sleeping in Auckland City - A Practice Guide

 Appropriate, Affordable and Sustainable Housing:

Last year social workers located housing options for homeless people 170 times. An ongoing issue for staff is the availability of appropriate accommodation. Safe, secure, low-cost housing is often difficult to find and, when it is available, an Auckland City Mission client may be seen as undesirable.

Older rough sleeping clients may be assisted into rest homes. For many the change in lifestyle is difficult to adapt to but with ongoing support of the Mission staff, most cope well.

Drop-in :

When people's self esteem, social skills and motivation shrink, normal social interaction is very difficult. It is also much harder for them to access education and training. The Drop-In service provides opportunities for social interaction with staff and volunteers. Research has shown that developing positive attitudes, learning about social norms and developing self-esteem are key to moving out of homelessness.

Drop-in is located at 140 Hobson Street.

Participation in Activities:

Homeless people are often excluded from activities many take for granted. Participation in the Missions activity programme provides clients with new skills and encourages socialisation and a sense of self-worth. Activities include: music, chess, art, beach days, fishing and gardening.

All activities are run regularly at the Mission to enable homeless people to be re-integrated into their community. Clients are encouraged to explore their whakapapa and feel a sense of value and belonging.

Community Gardens:

The Mission's homeless team works in partnership with Ngati Whatua o Orakei to create opportunities for the 70% of homeless clients who are Maori to connect with their personal histories and their community. Activities include tree planting days and the establishment of community gardens at Orakei Marae. The gardens provide fresh produce for the clients, the opportunity to learn horticulture skills and the development of work skills.

 Night Shelter:

Along with other social service agencies, the Auckland City Mission funds a night shelter, located in the inner city, that caters for homeless men and women. The Night Shelter provides cheap, clean and safe accommodation for those living on the streets.