About 20 men and about four women were believed to be sleeping rough in New Plymouth's city centre alone. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
The New Plymouth District Council will vote on Tuesday on whether to provide funding of up to $800,000 to help set up a shelter for rough sleepers in the city.
The YMCA had offered its central city building on Liaradet St as a shelter location for the growing number of people who are homeless in New Plymouth.
Councillors face three options.
Provide $350,000 towards setting up the shelter plus $150,000 for running costs in year one or provide $350,000 for the set up with an additional $450,000 over three years for running costs. Alternatively, council could chose to provide no funding at all.
It was estimated it would cost $600,000 a year to operate the shelter.
A report prepared for councillors recommended council provided funding for the first three years of the project.
"The shelter will provide support and interim accommodation for people who are homeless, and sleep without shelter, in New Plymouth city.
"It will have a positive impact both for the individuals who use it and for the city centre, where homelessness is increasingly an issue."
This would enable council to make a tangible contribution towards ensuring those without shelter in New Plymouth had a safe place to sleep and access to support, while efforts continued to secure central government support and funding to address the challenges faced by the homeless community long term, the report said.
Philanthropic foundation Toi had committed $390,000 towards the project - Whare o te Tapatahi a Taranaki - including seed funding to get planning under way and begin the fit out of showers and laundry services in the YMCA space.
Chief executive Maria Ramsay said Toi believed every individual deserved dignity and support.
"Whare o te Tapatahi aims to create a safe and nurturing environment that addresses the immediate needs of rough sleepers and empowers them on their journey towards recovery and reintegration into society."
The council report said about 20 men and about four women were believed to be sleeping rough in the city centre alone, with many more doing so around the district.
"People who are homeless and sleeping without shelter experience many barriers to accessing the support they need as individuals.
"Ultimately, a multifaceted approach is essential, including long-term housing solutions and supportive services tailored to each person's needs - such as trauma support, mental health care, and addiction treatment."
A shelter could play a vital role in providing immediate relief to those experiencing homelessness, the report said.
The YMCA New Plymouth had developed a detailed plan for construction and operation of a shelter for 20 rough sleepers, within its existing premises on Liardet St.
One complicating factor could be its proximity to a primary school.
The report said the YMCA had a long history of providing social support both in New Zealand and internationally, helping people overcome challenges and move forward positively.
"It holds social services accreditation to deliver a range of programmes for the community, including both recreation and social support provision, and has both local and international experience and expertise to draw from."
The shelter would have 22 secure lockers available for people to store their belongings during the day.
Arrival and departures would be supervised by staff and security personnel, with security positioned outside the entrance, which was not directly next to any residences.
Overnight stays would follow a detailed 12-step process.
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