National homelessness strategy considered (Newstalk ZB)

The Government is thinking about creating a national strategy on homelessness.

By Natasha Burling
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=198663

Auckland Council member Cathy Casey has written to Housing Minister Phil Heatley to make the suggestion and she says the Minister has agreed to consider it.

Dr Casey says homelessness is a major concern for Auckland and the council is trying to tackle it, but can’t do it alone.

“We need a national strategy, we need some focus and we need some funding,” she told Newstalk ZB. “This isn’t just an Auckland issue, people are homeless from Cape Reinga to Bluff.”

Cathy Casey says it’s hard to get accurate figures, but between 90 and 130 people sleep rough each night in Auckland.