Conclusions: A New Location for Policy
Homeless policy in Auckland could be improved by creating clearer lines of responsibility and communication. Starting from a concern with regards to how homeless policy can manage the multiple nodes of authority or action into a cohesive response to homelessness, case study techniques and a comparative institutional analysis have been undertaken to form recommendations for homeless policy in Auckland. Clearer systems of organisation would increase the ability of agencies assisting the homeless to deal with short-term changes to the cityscape. It is critical that the national Government takes responsibility for homelessness and engages with stakeholders to form a coherent homeless policy. Auckland Council should advocate for national Government to allocate responsibility to a particular national agency. From here, stronger networks of communication between agencies need to be built. At the local level, Auckland Council should oversee communication and information sharing between NGOs and government services. Auckland Council should continue to advocate for respect of the dignity of the homeless in all services and community activities.