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ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF
Terrance De Souza, 70, has cycled in and out of emergency housing over the last few years. He had never been homeless before, but now fears he will have to live in a car with his dog.
Terrance De Souza just wants a home for himself and his dog. Now aged 70 and unable to get work for the first time in his life, De Souza has fewer than two weeks to find a house – or else he will be homeless. De Souza immigrated to New Zealand from Singapore 35 years ago and worked as a cleaner until leaving his job a few years ago due to health issues. He had been unable to find work since and had cycled in and out of emergency housing, most recently at Fernhill Motor Lodge, where he lives now.
Report from RNZ
Some families in emergency housing are reporting their children are becoming emotionally distressed because of their living conditions. Demand for emergency accommodation has escalated last year with the number of emergency housing grants increasing by half.
Nearly 10,000 people were given an Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant between July and September last year. On top of that, the government contracted over 70 motels to house families and individuals. As of 30 November, they housed 1200 individuals.
But social services providers say the pace of demand is not slowing. And they have sounded a warning about the impact living in a motel is having on residents.