News and media

Not having a home is an issue that affects the mental health and wellbeing of people and communities. In 2017, Kāinga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) approached The People’s Project in Hamilton with a proposal. Kāinga Ora would provide a small number of dedicated properties across several inner-city locations, mostly in areas of already-established high-density public housing, to be tenanted by The People’s Project’s clients.

Denise has a penned a beautiful eulogy for Sam Hogg, who recently passed away after a short battle with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. It was a privilege for our team to be a small part of Sam’s life in Hamilton. He always had a ready smile and a joke.

The People’s Project Tauranga has used the Housing First approach to support 39 chronically homeless people into a home of their own since opening in June 2018.

The Government’s announcement to continue investing in existing and new Housing First programmes recognises the growing body of New Zealand evidence that Housing First, which prioritises permanent housing outcomes, is one of the best approaches for ending chronic homelessness.

The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern visited the Wise Group in Hamilton today to learn more about the vital work it is leading in mental health, homelessness, social justice and wellbeing for young people. Alongside Wise Group joint chief executive Julie Nelson, the Prime Minister spent time with The People’s Project’s service manager Kerry Hawkes and strategic analyst Carole McMinn to learn about the success the team has had in Hamilton using the Housing First approach.