Homebuilders – Check your entitlements

Last month, I was able to have a meeting with the Minister of Housing, Phil Twyford. The discussion was focused on the hidden homelessness in our community. Homelessness is not just people sleeping rough outside, it is also people sleeping in their cars – sometimes at reserves and beaches. Others are temporarily sleeping on couches and in carports. This is the stark reality of homelessness.

There is very limited social housing in our community and the high cost of renting in our area puts a lot of people out of the private rental sector. In New Zealand, we now have a working class poor. Many people who are working find it hard to pay rent or are homeless.

Therefore, it pays to find out if you qualify for the Accommodation Supplement. A couple with one child and a combined income of $610 per week, could get an extra $232 each week.  At Homebuilders Family Services we can check whether you are entitled to the supplement. You don’t necessarily have to be an existing beneficiary to qualify.

If you would like to apply for an Accommodation Supplement, phone Work and Income on 0800 559 009 for an appointment or go to a Work and Income office and ask to apply.

In addition to checking your benefit entitlements, Homebuilders offers several other services such as:

Family Services. Our Family Support service is where a friendly, experienced support person, with a range of skills, helps people work through relationship, communication and parenting challenges.

Help Desk. The help desk offers practical, immediate help and information on a wide range of issues – such as paperwork, links to other services and dealing with agencies such as Work and Income and Inland Revenue.

Youth Counselling.  This is where a young person going through a difficult time can have a one-to-one session with one of our experienced youth workers.

Chrysalis Children’s Programme. This programme is designed to support children during those times when life events or change is overwhelming. It provides opportunities for children to work through their feelings.

Strengthening Families.  This is a way of providing support for whanau/families who are already working with two or more organisations, such as schools. It involves bringing these agencies together with the family in order to achieve clarity and reach the family’s goals.

Homebuilders also runs courses on parenting, living well on your income and mindfulness.  
Contact Homebuilders on 425 7048 or email homebuildersfs@gmail.com.

Maria Collins, Help Desk Advocate
www.homebuildersfs.org