Policy
At current, local efforts to combat homelessness are informed by the Homelessness Strategy 2004.[1] However, like in Auckland, this strategy does not select an actor to lead efforts to address homelessness. It does, however, attempt to negotiate the relationships between NGOs and Wellington City Council. The Wellington Homelessness Prevention Steering Group has worked with Te Muka Tangata to develop solutions to Māori homelessness in the city, and has considered the importance of responding to demographic trends when assisting the homeless.[2] All involved parties are made responsible for attempting to fill gaps in the services offered to the homeless.[3] However, the strategy document offers little in terms of implementing goals of preventing homelessness. This could be due to a lack of focus on advocating for central government leadership on the issue of homelessness.
Programmes
There is no clear data regarding the rate of homelessness in Wellington. At least 35 people stay in boarding houses, meaning at a minimum the rate of homelessness is 0.00018. As with other cases, it is likely the rate is much higher, once those experiencing all four forms of homelessness are counted. At current, service provision is focused on providing housing, meals, and ensuring homeless people have access to healthcare.[4] Little attention is given to assisting people into long-term care. Instead of focusing on dignity and capabilities, Wellington focuses on well-being and public safety. This means the approach lacks consideration of how homeless people can be assisted to realise the key capabilities for human flourishing. However, at the least, Wellington’s approach to the immediate needs of the homeless is coordinated and a central budget has been established.[5] If this same approach was applied to programmes aimed at preventing homelessness or moving people into long-term housing, Wellington’s approach would be significantly improved.