What to do if you’re homeless
You will need to see Ministry of Social Development (MSD or WINZ) and get their approval for a grant (which you will have to pay back) to cover bond and rent in advance, and sometimes other costs e.g. linen. With this help, you can pay an agency to house you. So you have to queue at MSD and say you’re homeless. You need to get into the office before 4 p.m. (the earlier the better) because if you’re late you will have to come back the next day.
We can advise you on how the system works and connect you with providers of accommodation that MSD uses. Note: There is only shared accommodation for single people.
You can ask for a transfer to another provider if the new one does not suit but try to keep on their good side as you will need a reference from them.
What is Emergency and Transitional Housing?
In August 2024, the Government made stricter rules for accessing emergency housing.
Emergency and Transitional Housing are temporary accommodation for individuals or families who have nowhere to stay tonight or the next 7 nights. Most of the people we see will end up with a provider as discussed above; but some people (often families as they are harder to house safely) do get referred to transitional housing by MSD.
Transitional Housing is typically for families and allows people to stay for up to 12 weeks accommodation. It follows the rules in Social Security Act, the Social Security Regulations 2018, and the Social Security (Emergency Housing and Transitional Housing) Amendment Regulations 2020. This means that if you live in emergency and transitional housing, that you do not have the rights and responsibilities of a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act.
MSD decides who goes to transitional housing although you can ask for this option.
Check out the numbers of people placed in transitional housing here
When can I get emergency or transitional housing?
The Ministry of Social Development will not approve housing until you are homeless (and will ask for proof if you’re couch surfing) so you need to keep looking and keep proof to show you have been looking as one of the questions they have to ask is how much your decisions have led to you being homeless. https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/housing/nowhere-to-stay/emergency-housing/who-can-get-it
More info about applying for emergency housing through Work and Income – Te Hiranga Tangata.
What if I cannot afford to pay to live anywhere?
MSD can approve grants to help pay rent, bond etc. when their policies allow it. Talk to us if there’s problems because sometimes there is a work-around.
How to apply for a Special Needs Grant through Work and Income – Te Hiranga Tangata.
If you need to learn more about your Community Services Card you can find out about it here.
Are there reasons why the Ministry of Social Development might not provide me with emergency or transitional housing?
There are several reasons the Ministry of Social Development may not be able to provide you with emergency or transitional housing. You can talk to us and with your permission we can ask MSD why they declined your application and see if there are any other options.
Who can support me when I’m in emergency or transitional housing?
If you don’t want to see us, a good starting point is:
https://www.mashtrust.org.nz/luck
I also need access to food. Where do I find help to get access to food?
Palmerston North has several foodbanks that service the wider Manawatu region, who can help you get access to food if you need it. These organisations include: