Another broken promise – more to come
Government spending cuts mean frontline workers in Auckland who provide critical support for families living in emergency housing face losing their jobs.
Emerge Aotearoa is a national charitable trust that provides social services to support disadvantaged people across the country, including for families in emergency housing.
But the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is cutting an annual contract that funded 17 full time staff – housing navigators – in Auckland. Seven navigators will no longer be funded.
“This is another broken promise from a heartless government which is putting saving money ahead of supporting the lives of the most vulnerable in our community,” said Melissa Woolley, Assistant Secretary for Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“These people do amazing work, helping people cope with living on a benefit, people experiencing a mental health crisis, or sick or disabled, people who have been knocked back who are trying to find a safe roof over their heads.
“They help people navigate the system, ensuring they get the support they need while in emergency housing and help them transition to permanent housing arrangements.
“When you’ve hit rock bottom, the work of people like housing navigators is so important to help people get their lives back together.
“The Government is already making it tough enough for disadvantaged people with harsher sanctions on beneficiaries and now this shameful funding cut. We fear this could be the start of cuts for other social services supported by MSD.
“Up and down the country we already have frontline social services for vulnerable families being cut with Oranga Tamariki slashing contracts as demanded by the Minister for Children.
“At a time of rising hardship, these cuts will only make lives worse for so many who just need a helping hand. This government is out of touch with the needs of struggling New Zealanders,” said Melissa Woolley.
